Home Visit Model for Bedridden Patients Based on the Problems and Needs of Caregivers

Abstract

This mixed methods research aimed to study home visit model for bedridden patients based on the problems and needs of caregivers. The samples for quantitative research consisted of 210 caregivers of bedridden patients in Chanthaburi Province and the participants for qualitative research comprised 10 caregivers of bedridden patients, 5 nurses working at sub-district health promoting hospitals, and 10 village health volunteers. The research instruments were composed of a questionnaire of demographic data, a questionnaire of problems and needs of caregiver with the reliability of .88 and .93, respectively, an in-dept interview guide, and a focus group interview guide. Data were collected from February to July, 2018 and were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis.

The research results revealed that 1) the caregivers of bedridden patients had the overall mean scores of problems and needs at a moderate level; 2) regarding problems and obstacles in bedridden patients home visit, they were composed of discontinuity of home visit; lacking of referral services, some devices, counselling, stiff joint prevention, continuity of rehabilitation, caregiver assistants, and health care services for caregivers; and 3) regarding home visit model for bedridden patients based on the problems and needs of caregivers, it was concluded that the model should combine home visit problems solving with obstacles reducing as well as the empowerment for both bedridden patients and their caregivers.

This research suggests that the executives should encourage the continuity of bedridden patients home visit. Additionally, the community leaders should promote or establish a fund for bedridden patients supporting as well as arrange the referral services.