Development of a Holistic Healthcare Model for Dependent Elderly People in the Area of Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals, Phanom District, Surat Thani Province

Abstract

This developmental research aimed to: 1) study problems and healthcare needs for dependent elderly people; 2) develop a holistic healthcare model; and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of the model. The research consisted of 4 steps: 1) studying the conditions and needs for holistic healthcare; 2) developing a holistic health care model for the elderly people; 3) evaluating the effectiveness of the model; and 4) analyzing the success factors and policy proposals. The participants consisted of 36 inter-professionals, caregivers and dependent elderly people selected by simple random sampling. The research tools included semi-structured interview guideline, holistic healthcare model and Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Validity of the content of the tools was verified by three experts, showing an IOC range of 0.67-1.00. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Paired t-test and content analysis.

The results revealed that: 1. there was an increasing trend of dependent elderly people and caregivers needed essential skills; 2. the developed model consisted of 3 main processes as follows: 1) preparing to promote holistic healthcare; 2) providing holistic healthcare to dependent elderly people; and 3) counseling and evaluating results of the improvement; and 3. after the experiment, the overall ADL score of the dependent elderly was significant higher than before the experiment at the level of .05 (p=.03).

For the suggested policy proposal, the relevant agencies should monitor and evaluate healthcare in all dimensions and strengthen the multidisciplinary team and network partners.