The health education model for patients with diabetes at Uttaradit Hospital

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the health education model for patients
with diabetes and its promoting factors at Uttaradit Hospital, Thailand.
A purposive samples of 30 participants included hospital administrators, health care
providers, and patients with diabetes and their significant others. Data collections took place from
July 2015 to June 2016 using structured and open-ended interviews; chart review; non-participant
observation, and recording notes from field observations. Tapes were transcribed were analyzed
using content analysis. Data analysis involved reading for overall meaning, coding, sorting and
developing into categories and themes. Analyzed data were organized into tables and graphs for
presentation.
The health education model for patients with diabetes observed were: I) primary health
education service using multidisciplinary team approach composed of 3 components – a) nurse
case management with patient care team approach; b) multidisciplinary approach focusing on
behavioral modification, life style changing, and self-care management using technique such as
motivational interviewing; and c) health education in the community. II) Education programs for
specific targeted patients with high risk or uncontrolled blood sugar. Overall promoting factors to
diabetes health education involved clear hospital administrators’ vision and support including:
setting goals, staff and healthcare providers’ empowerment, and ongoing evaluation through
quality improvement process.
Health education model for patients with diabetes required multiple healthcare teams,
e.g., case management, multidisciplinary approach, and community. The hospital administrators’
clear vision in setting goals, staff empowerment, and quality improvement were key factors to the
success of the health education program for diabetes patients.