ผลการใช้แนวทางปฏิบัติการรับผู้ป่วยผ่านระบบนัดออนไลน์ผู้ป่วยนอกจากโรงพยาบาลเครือข่ายโรงพยาบาลเชียงคำ จังหวัดพะเยา

Karnpitcha Chanthima; Krittapat Fukfon; Theerawan  Srisuwan

Authors

Karnpitcha Chanthima Chiangkham Hospital
Krittapat Fukfon Boromarajonani College of Nursing Phayao, Faculty of Nursing, Praboromarajchanok Institute
Theerawan Srisuwan Chiangkham Hospital

Keywords:

online appointment, outpatient, guideline

Abstract

Introduction: The online appointment referral system represents a healthcare innovation aimed at enhancing patients' access to specialized treatment and care.

Research objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of implementing a practice guidelines for an online appointment referral system in the outpatient department of the Chiangkham Hospital network.

Research methodology: This study employed a quasi - experimental design with two groups and a pre - posttest comparison. The study focuses on the implementation of an online appointment referral system in the outpatient department. The study included a total of 670 patients, with 335 participants in each group, who were referred to Chiangkham Hospital, Phayao Province, for appropriate medical care. Additionally, 65 healthcare professionals participated in the study. Research tools included the online appointment referral system, a patient’s intake form, a satisfaction form for healthcare personnel, and a patient satisfaction form, each with an index of item - objective of congruence (IOC) rating of 1.00. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the satisfaction forms was .89 and .86, respectively. The data were analyzed using statistical tests such as the Chi - square test, Fisher's exact test, and the Mann - Whitney U test.

Results: The implementation of the practice guideline led to a statistically significant increase in the percentage of patients accessing specialists (= 219.535). The screening rate also showed a significant improvement (= 601.671), and the time required for medical procedures was significantly reduced (z = -3.891). Furthermore, the waiting time to meet the medical specialist was significantly reduced (z = -3.118) compared to the period before the online appointment system was introduced (p < .001). Furthermore, both the health personnel and the patients expressed a high level of satisfaction.

Conclusions: The implementation of an online appointment referral system in the outpatient department proved to be effective in improving the accessibility to specialist healthcare services, including access to specialists, health screenings, and proper medical procedures.

Implications: The development and implementation of practice guideline for an online appointment referral system are recommended for all outpatient departments.

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