Development of an Outpatient Screening Model at Pathumrat Hospital, Roi Et Province

Abstract

Purposes: This study aimed to examine the current situation, develop a model, implement the model in practice, and evaluate the effectiveness of an outpatient screening model at Pathumrat Hospital, Roi Et Province.

Study design: Research and Development: R&D.

Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 353 outpatients who underwent screening at Pathumrat Hospital. Additionally, 10 key informants participated in focus group discussions, and 30 patients were included in the pilot implementation of the model. The study was conducted from November 2024 to September 2025. Data were collected using questionnaires, a feasibility and appropriateness assessment form, a standards and satisfaction evaluation form, and an effectiveness assessment form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

Main finding: 1) The overall situation of outpatient screening was at a moderate level (Mean = 3.43, SD. = 0.42). The highest Priority Needs Index (PNI = 0.658) indicated the need for developing clear guidelines or manuals for outpatient screening. 2) The developed outpatient screening model at Pathumrat Hospital consisted of nine steps: (1) preparation, (2) patient entry into the screening system, (3) rapid history taking, (4) assessment of vital signs and basic health status, (5) triage prioritization, (6) queue management and referral, (7) data recording and reporting, (8) monitoring and evaluation, and (9) special incident management. The overall model demonstrated a high level of appropriateness (Mean = 4.13, SD. = 0.64) and feasibility (Mean = 4.17, SD. = 0.64). 3) Outpatients who received screening through the developed model reported a high level of overall satisfaction (Mean = 4.19, SD. = 0.60), and the effectiveness of the model was also rated at a high level (Mean = 4.07, SD. = 0.72).

Conclusion and recommendations: The developed model comprised nine steps and demonstrated high levels of appropriateness and feasibility for implementation. It effectively classified the urgency levels of patients. Patient satisfaction and overall system effectiveness were rated at a high level, reflecting the model’s capacity to enhance service quality and improve the management of the screening system. Therefore, policy support should be promoted to facilitate its adoption and adaptation in other settings.