“Competency in Elderly Healthcare of Health Personnel at Primary Care Units, Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province

Abstract

Purposes: This study aimed to examine the competencies in elderly health care, identify factors associated with such competencies, and explore approaches to enhancing the competencies of health personnel working at sub-district health-promoting hospitals in Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province.

Study Design: This study employed a mixed-methods research and development design.

Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 40 health personnel who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews comprising 15 items. The instruments demonstrated good quality, with a content validity index ranging from 0.67 to 1.00 and an overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.98. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean scale interpretation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression with a 95% confidence interval at a significance level of .05. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

Main findings: The participants’ overall competency in elderly health care was at a moderate level (Mean = 52.50, SD. = 18.25). The service dimension scored the highest (Mean = 50.20, SD = 16.12), whereas the coordination dimension had the lowest mean score (Mean = 46.80, SD = 16.90). Pearson’s correlation revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between work experience and competency in elderly health care (r = 0.583, p < .001). Stepwise multiple regression indicated that work experience was the strongest predictor of competency (β = 0.56,
p < .001). Qualitative findings showed challenges in inter-agency and network coordination, time constraints, and heavy workloads that hindered capacity development, as well as geographical and linguistic barriers affecting communication.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The recommended competency development approach emphasizes modular, concise training sessions integrated into monthly meetings, supported by short and comprehensible digital learning materials. Experiential learning and a mentorship system tailored to operational levels and local communication contexts are proposed to enhance health personnel competency in elderly care effectively.