A Study on the Concept of Field Hospitals for Pandemic Disaster Management in Thailand: A Case Study of the COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract

Objective: To study the concept of the establishment of field hospital for disaster management in Thailand with the epidemic of COVID-19 as a case study. Methods: This research is descriptive research. Data was collected from interviews and questionnaires to administrators and employees in field hospitals in Thailand, by selecting a field hospital that represents the public health agency in the area and using the Delphi technique to gather the consistent opinion of the expert’s group. Results: There are 8 consistent opinions for model of the development in setting up of  field hospital: 1) the meaning and role of a field hospital, 2) important features of a field hospital, 3) elements in setting up a field hospital, 4) method or process of operation, 5) Preparation for setting up a field hospital in the future, 6) Main problems in setting up and working in a field hospital, 7) The most important obstacles in operating a field hospital and the principles for solving problems in field hospitals, and 8) Solving problems in field hospitals. Conclusions: To Develop a model for setting up a field hospital, we need to consider the elements in setting up a field hospital and the model of operation as an important factor.