The Effectiveness Evaluation of Leprosy Specialized Facilities’ Development in 4 Regions of Thailand in 2018

Abstract

          This study was conducted in order to evaluate the effectiveness of specialized leprosy utilities’
development using CIPP model. A number of 91 purposively selected subjects were central level personnel, related officers of Regional Offices of Disease Prevention and Control, utilities’ personnel, and leprosy patients. Study tools were questionnaires and data collecting form. Frequency, percentage, standard deviation and content analysis were used to analyse the data.
         It was found that the average age of central level personnel was 57. The average income of leprosy patients was 3,620 THB. The percentage of utilities’ personnel who never attend leprosy training was 44.3. Context evaluation: Utilities’ development suited to leprosy situation, responded to the need of leprosy service network and related to strategic plans. Input evaluation: The criteria in selecting targeted area and utilities were appropriate. The policy and support of utilities’ authorities were not sufficient. External support was sufficient. Leprosy related personnel were available. Training curricula were appropriate and covered all aspects of leprosy. Process evaluation: The process of selecting utilities, analyzing situation, and seeking solution were appropriate. The process of training was appropriate in some extents. Supervision and quality control of Slit Skin Smear slides were appropriate. Product evaluation: The leprosy basic knowledge of most personnel was high. There was no leprosy negative attitude. Personnel’s specific knowledge and skill were not adequate. Leprosy service did not meet standard requirement. The authors suggested to prepare central level personnel to replace those to be retired, seek method in alleviating the difficulties of leprosy patients in travelling for treatment, continually develop the capability of utilities’ personnel, support utilities in formulating policy and supporting its implementation, adjust training process, seek solution to improve utilities’ service standard, and establish network among related organizations. In terms of related future research, the authors suggested to survey the coverage of utilities’ services in areas with leprosy endemic indicators, survey the leprosy service standard of other hospitals than specialized utilities, evaluate the effectiveness of utilities’ services, and survey leprosy patients’ expenditures and affordability in travelling for treatment.