The Development of Operational Guidelines for District Public Health Offices Following the Transfer of Queen Sirikit 60th Anniversary Health Stations and Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals to the Phrae Provincial Administrative Organizations

Abstract

The transfer of Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPHs) to Provincial Administrative Organizations resulted in the role of District Health Offices shifting from direct supervision to strategic functions. However, clear operational guidelines to support this changing context remain limited. This action research aimed to develop and examine the implementation outcomes of operational guidelines for the roles and responsibilities of District Health Offices following the transfer of such missions to the Phrae Provincial Administrative Organization. The study was conducted between March and December 2025. The sample consisted of 120 public health personnel under the Phrae Provincial Public Health Office. Data were collected through focus group discussions, interviews, and rating-scale questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Priority Needs Index, and content analysis.

The results revealed that the operational guidelines for the roles and responsibilities of District Health Offices following the transfer of Queen Sirikit 60th Anniversary Health Centers and Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals to the Phrae Provincial Administrative Organization comprised nine major functional roles. Following implementation in the study area, the guidelines were found to be practical and applicable in real-world operations. The role of the District Public Health Coordination Center was identified as the highest priority for development and improvement (PNI_modified = 0.71). In addition, public health personnel reported a high level of satisfaction with the developed operational guidelines (Mean = 3.39, SD = 0.69).

The study recommended that the implementation of these operational guidelines should emphasize personnel capacity building, strengthening health information systems, and enhancing interagency collaboration mechanisms in order to improve the efficiency and sustainability of local public health operations.