Assessment of readiness of village health volunteers for population-based blood pressure screening by using automatic blood pressure measurement device with internet of things technology in 4 provinces, Thailand

Abstract

Background: The perception and opinions of 587 village health volunteers, health officers in 7 sub-districts in 4 provinces in 4 regions on using blood pressure measurement device which can record and submit the blood pressure value via internet of things technology during November – December 2020. Results Most health volunteers were female (83%). The mean age was 54.8 years old (SD = 10.0). 53.3% have highest educational level of primary school level or lower. 85.3% were farmer, general contractor, or no career. 57.2% work as health volunteer longer than 10 years. 94% have been trained how to use blood pressure measurement device. 60% of villages own only 1 blood pressure measurement device, which was not enough. According to focus group interview, blood pressure measurement device was needed for annual blood pressure screening and home visit for elderly, disable person, and patient with chronic illness. Having a blood pressure monitor is the power that makes the target group trusts the health volunteers. The data security was concerned if ID card is applied in measurement. Some health volunteers accepted and support digital technology for record and report; however, its complexity may be not fit with elderly. Conclusion One-third of health volunteer was elderly. More than half has low education level and do not have smart phone with internet. Basically, smartphone was used for only general phone calling purpose, not surfing internet. The health volunteer currently was not ready for using blood pressure measurement device connectable with internet for data recording and reporting purpose. Reducing the role and importance of health volunteer according to the coming of self-operated blood pressure measurement device were in concern. The trend of using internet technology is increasing in adult and elderly, so improving digital skill among health volunteer is necessary and possible.