Management of Covid-19 in Border Provinces of Southern Thailand: The Roles of Health Professionals in the Primary Healthcare System
Keywords:
Health Professionals, Covid-19 Screening and Surveillance, Three Southern Border ProvincesAbstract
This mixed-method research aimed to study the knowledge and roles of public health professionals in the primary healthcare system in screening and monitoring covid-19 risk groups. A quota sample of 67 people was selected from the districts with the highest numbers of infections in the three southern border provinces. Data were collected using a questionnaire on knowledge and roles in implementing measures for screening and monitoring covid-19 risk groups. The reliability score was 0.98. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. In-depth interviews were conducted with executives and public health personnel, using a semi-structured interview form. Qualitative data were analyzed to find key points. The results were as follows.
1. The overall knowledge of public health personnel was at a high level (M = 3.37, SD = 0.49)
2. Overall, public health professionals had a high level of performance (M = 3.45, SD = 0.45) in accordance with measures for screening and monitoring covid-19 risk groups. The most important roles were: 1) managing the service system according to beliefs and community lifestyles, 2) providing accurate and timely information using online media, 3) being a center for health management and communication with the team, 4) providing proactive services to prevent and control infections, and 5) adjusting the healthcare service system to support the new situation.
3. Policy recommendations included: 1) developing the covid-19 care competencies that are consistent with the community's lifestyle and culture, 2) developing the primary health care system as the core of holistic healthcare, 3) establishing a special area policy to prevent the spread of the disease, 4) developing a communication system using modern technology, 5) creating participation of network partners in work, and 6) establishing guidelines to empower public health personnel.
Therefore, in the particular context of the three southern border provinces, which have specific social, legal and geographical characteristics, should be taken into account in order to reduce duplication in management.
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