Situation of public health emergency management in Health Region 5

Abstract

Climate and environmental changes globally have significantly impacted disasters and public health emergencies worldwide, including the Health Region 5. No evident study has been undertaken on public health emergency management situation in Health Region 5. This study was conducted to examine the pattern of the public health emergency management system in Health Region 5 and to provide recommendations for system improvement clearly and systematically. The mixed methods, including quantitative and qualitative studies, was adopted. The quantitative study was completed through a constructed questionnaire to evaluate the readiness of the emergency management system. The qualitative study included document review and interview. For document review, the reports on Emergency Operations Center (EOC) assessment tools from 2021-2023 of Health Region 5, the after-action review reports on public health emergency management during the COVID-19 pandemic of Health Region 5, and the after-action review reports on public health emergency management of the Office of Disease Prevention and Control, Region 5 Ratchaburi were analyzed. For the interview, 42 key stakeholders were recruited, including executives and relevant health personnel. The results revealed that both quantitative and qualitative results were consistent and showed that health systems in terms of public health emergency management system, data and information, and leadership and governance had highly appropriate management. However, limited resources were caused by healthcare expenditures and the inadequate number of health workers. Therefore, clear budget allocation plans, expenditure guidelines, and effective workforce planning are essential. For key technical areas requiring further development, operational framework development, resource identification for additional needs, and regular business continuity plan exercises are all necessary.