Nursing Journal of The Ministry of Public Health

A Development of Open Online Lessons on “Reasonable Drug Use for Nursing Students”

2023-12-26T09:38:50+07:00

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an online learning program called “rational use of drugs for nursing students”. The sample consisted of 155 third-year nursing students from the Faculty of Nursing at Burapha University. This study was conducted from February 2022 to April 2023. The research instruments were two assessment forms to evaluate the quality of online teaching and satisfaction with the use online lessons. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that 1) the online courses define learning units RDU, RDU to case study, case study and knowledge integration RDU with 10 hours of the learning time. Students must have a total score of at least 60% to be considered qualified. 2) Overall quality and factors related to the quality of online courses were ranked at the highest level (M = 4.52, SD=.37, and M = 4.62, SD=.48), followed by outcomes and process quality (M = 4.37, SD=.46, and M = 4.09, SD=.53, respectively). Students were very satisfied with all the five aspects of the online learning program. This online course aids the preparation of healthcare professional students during their internship period in clinical practice. This may also guide the professional nurses in conducting further research in the promotion of rational drug use.

Effectiveness of a Telehealth Self-management Support Program on Self-management Behavior and Blood Pressure among Essential Hypertension Patients in Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province

2023-12-26T09:46:13+07:00

A two-group quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used to investigate the effectiveness of a telehealth self-management support program on self-management behavior and blood pressure among essential hypertension patients. The sample consisted of 70 patients who were serviced at the non-communicable disease clinic in Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province. These patients were sampled by purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. The sample was divided into 2 groups: 35 patients were assigned to the experimental group and received the telehealth self-management support program over a period of 12 weeks, which was developed based on the concept of self-management by Creer. The comparison group consisted of 35 patients who received routine care. Data were collected using the hypertension self-management questionnaire and non-invasive mechanical sphygmomanometers with digital display, before and after the experiment. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test, and paired sample t-test. The study revealed that after the intervention, the experimental group had a mean score for self-management behavior that was significantly higher than before intervention group and also higher than the comparison group (p<.001). In addition, it was found that the mean diastolic and systolic blood pressure after the intervention were significantly lower in the experimental group than before the intervention and lower than in the comparison group. (p<.001). The results suggest that telehealth self-management support program was effective in improving self-management behavior and blood pressure control among patients with essential hypertension.

The Effects of Caring Nursing Applying Swanson’s Theory on Well-being of the Elderly with Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Surgery

2023-12-26T09:59:54+07:00

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nursing care based on Swanson’s theory of caring on the well-being of older people with head and neck cancer surgery. The sample consisted of 40 older adults, male and female, receiving in-patient care, including surgery, for diagnosed head and neck cancer at the critical care and surgery department of Chonburi Cancer Hospital, from November 2022 to June 2023.. Simple random sampling was used to assign equal numbers of older adults to control and experimental groups. The experimental group received the Swanson’s care regime for 10 days, with nursing care divided into three phases: pre- surgery care, care after surgery, and pre discharge. Five activities were focused on, based on Swanson’s concept: 1) maintaining belief, 2) knowing, 3) being with, 4) doing for, and 5) enabling. The control group received usual nursing care. The instruments used to collect data were a personal interview, patient medical history, and a well-being assessment form for head and neck cancer patients, which had a reliability of .91. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and independent t-tests. The results revealed that the post-test mean score of well-being of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the pre-test and the post-test of the control group (p< .05). Based on these findings, it is recommended that registered nurses apply Swanson’s caring theory to enhance the well-being of older people with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery.

Factors Relating to Post-COVID Condition Post Discharge after Hospitalization in the Elderly with Leprosy and Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Case Study of the Rajprachasamasai Institute Community.

2023-12-26T10:40:20+07:00

The aim of this study was to investigate the residual symptoms after infection in the elderly with leprosy and COVID-19 and examine the factors associated with these symptoms. The study included all people aged 60 and above who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Rajprachasamasai Hospital from March to June 2023. A total of 168 people were included in the study. Statistical analysis included frequency counts, means, standard deviations, and Chi-square tests. The study found that the most prevalent post-infection residual symptom among the elderly with COVID-19 was insomnia (94.05%), followed by coughing (92.86%), and loss of appetite (92.26%). Factors significantly associated with post-COVID -19 infection residual symptoms in the elderly with leprosy included: 1) Health Status Factors including chronic illness (χ² = 9.26, p<.01) and oxygen therapy use status (χ² = 10.56, p<.01); 2) Basic Activities of Daily Living which were feeding oneself (χ² = 5.05, p<.05), dressing oneself (χ² = 3.87, p<.05), bathing (χ² = 6.32, p<.05), urination (χ² = 5.32, p<.05), and defecation (χ² = 10.56, p<.01); 3) Beneficial Daily Activities which were going outdoors (χ² = 9.17, p<.01), cooking (χ² = 9.10, p<.01), house cleaning and laundry (χ² = 9.10, p<.01), shopping (χ² = 9.17, p<.01), using public transportation (χ² = 11.05, p<.01) and taking medication (χ² = 9.40, p<.01). This research is valuable for the development of healthcare services for the elderly patients who may be dependency and have difficulty in performing their daily activities.

Access to Essential Health Care Services among Older People in the Community

2023-12-26T11:33:54+07:00

This cross-sectional quantitative research study aimed to examine the level of access to essential health care services for elderly people in the community and factors related to their access. The sample consisted of 438 elderly people in Phayao Province who were selected by multistage random sampling. The instruments for collecting data consisted of a personal information questionnaire, access to essential health care services for the elderly form, and the social support for access to essential health care services among older people form. The forms were approved with content validity of .90 and .91, respectively. The reliability of Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .849 and .868, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square statistics, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The results of this study revealed that overall average access to essential health care services was at a high level (x̅=2.55, SD=.28). Furthermore, age, waiting time for an appointment, and social support, were positively and significantly associated with access to essential health care services for the elderly (r=.140, p<.01; r=.104, p<.05; r=.170, p<.01), respectively. Waiting time to see medical personnel was negatively statistically significantly associated with access to essential health care services for the elderly (r=-.127, p<.01). Residency location of the elderly was significantly related to access to essential health care services for the elderly (χ²=27.518, p<.01). Therefore, to enhance access to essential health care services for the elderly, factors such as age, waiting time for an appointment, social support, waiting time to see medical personnel, and the residency location of the elderly need to be considered in order to provide more appropriate and continuous access to essential health care services for the elderly.

Health Literacy of Pain Management in Older Patients with Cancer

2023-12-26T11:42:41+07:00

Health literacy affects health status and health outcomes. Cancer pain is a major problem in older patients with cancer. This cross-sectional descriptive research study aimed to investigate health literacy, pain intensity, pain perception and pain management in older patients with cancer. The sample consisted of 880 older patients with cancer who were registered as patients of 4 hospitals. The sample was selected purposively according to the characteristics of inclusion criteria. The research instruments consisted of a health literacy questionnaire for pain management, and a Thai version of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) pain questionnaire. The content validity index of the research instrument was tested that was .91 to 1.0. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which gave a value of .81. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results found that older patients with cancer had overall health literacy regarding pain management at a poor to fair level. The patients had moderate pain. Pain had the greatest effect on sleep. Pain management was mainly through medication. The results of pain management were good. In 5.1%of patients, pain management was insufficient. The results of this study provide essential information for health personnel when planning to promote health literacy and pain management in older patients with cancer.

A Comparison of the Competency in Rational Drug Use of Nursing Graduates between Academic Years B.E. 2561 and 2562

2023-12-26T12:05:56+07:00

This descriptive study aimed to evaluate the competency in rational drug use of nursing graduates in academic year B.E. 2562 and to compare the competency in rational drug use of nursing graduates between academic years B.E. 2561 and 2562. The samples were nursing graduates who graduated in academic years B.E. 2561 and 2562 from 86 nursing education institutions. The instrument was a questionnaire on competency in rational drug use of nursing students. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The results showed that nursing graduates in academic year B.E. 2562 had all RDU competencies at a high level. Correct administration of medication according to prescription was the highest competency (Mean=4.45, SD=.50). The competency to select the appropriate medication according to need was rated lowest (Mean=4.33, SD=.54). Rational drug use competency of nursing graduates in academic years B.E. 2562 was higher than that n academic years B.E. 2561 at a significant level of p<.05. It is suggested that nursing education institutes and the Thailand nursing and midwifery councils should continuously organize teaching and learning activities that promote learners' rational drug use e to improve awareness, knowledge, and skill for rational drug use.

The roles of District Health Boards in the control and prevention of Coronavirus 2019 from the perspectives of Village Health Volunteers in Bankhai District, Rayong Province

2023-12-26T12:31:29+07:00

This research study employed a mixed methods approach to evaluate the outcomes of the Coronavirus 2019 control and prevention program of the District Health Boards and to study the Board’s performance in controlling and preventing Coronavirus 2019 from the perspectives of Village Health Volunteers in Bankhai District, Rayong Province. The sample comprised 315 people, of which 11 were selected by purposive sampling from District Health Boards and 304 from Village Health Volunteers (VHV). The instruments used for gathering data were a semi-structured interview and a questionnaire. Data were analyzed by content analysis, descriptive statistics and prioritization of needs using the Priority Needs Index (PNI _modified). The study found that while Bankhai’s District Health Boards saw clarity in terms of leadership, data analysis, strategic planning, and focus on the people in the effort to control and prevent Coronavirus 2019, there was a lack of knowledge in management and providing a concrete development plan for staff. In addition, the VHV rated the performance of the Board positively in three aspects, namely in terms of its stimulation and support, its drive and follow-up of operations, and the filling of deficits (the mean score is between 3.85-4.08, SD .493-.773). Comparing the Priority Needs Index (PNI _modified) of the actual roles with the expected roles that need improvement, the result showed that stimulation and support came first (PNI _modified = -.108), followed by the filling of deficits (PNI _modified = -.086), and drive and follow-up of operations (PNI _modified = -.072).

Factors Related to Pain Management in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing General Anesthesia in Chonburi Cancer Hospital

2023-12-26T13:26:33+07:00

Pain is an unpleasant experience, especially postoperative pain. When pain is managed appropriately, it has a beneficial effect on the healing process and allows for rapid recovery. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with pain management in patients following head and neck cancer surgery with general anesthesia. The sample consisted of 85 head and neck cancer patients undergoing surgery and general anesthesia in Chonburi Cancer Hospital. Patients were selected according to the specified criteria. Data were collected between October 2020 and April 2022. The research instruments consisted of 1) personal information including age, duration of surgery, 2) pain 3) satisfaction, and 4) pain management. The reliability value of the instruments 3-4 were .95 and .83, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation coefficient statistics. The research results showed that the mean age of the sample was 57.7 years (SD=1.26). The average surgery time was 179.27 minutes (SD=9.16). The postoperative pain level was at a level of 4 to6 points. The level of personnel satisfaction with pain management was high. The level of satisfaction with pain management of personnel was moderately related to pain management of patients (r = .50, p<.001). These research findings are beneficial to medical personnel as they can be used as guidelines for organizing activities or programs to improve knowledge and skills in the care of cancer patients with postoperative pain to help patients manage pain appropriately and efficiently.

Predictive Factors for COVID-19 Prevention Practices of Public Among Thai People in Urban Slums and Markets

2023-12-26T14:04:37+07:00

This aim of this predictive study was to examine factors that predict COVID-19 prevention behaviours among Thai people living in urban slums and markets in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The sample consisted of 1,996 participants. Data were collected between December 2021 and March 2022 using a questionnaire. The indices for content validity, Kuder-Richardson 20, and Cronbach’s alpha of the questionnaires ranged from 93-.98, .81, and .94-.99, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling [SEM]). The study demonstrated that about half of the participants had a high level of COVID-19 prevention practices when interacting with the public (53.2%). Potential predictive factors and their total effects (TE) for COVID-19 prevention practices of the participants for the general public included context (TE=.71); effective government communication (TE=.06); perceived information about COVID-19 from healthcare personnel and social media (TE=.13 and .08, respectively); reliability of information about COVID-19 from social media (TE=.07); attitudes towards the consequences of infection or quarantine (TE=.14), and receiving more than two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (TE=.04). Overall, these factors predicted 65% of the variation in COVID-19 prevention practices(R²=.65). Subgroup analysis of participants in urban slums determined that community strength influenced the COVID-19 prevention practice of the participants in public (TE=.09). Therefore, policymakers should create an environment that supports COVID-19 prevention practices, build effective communication through healthcare personnel, online media, and television, create a positive attitude toward disease prevention, and strengthen the community to enhance proper COVID-19 prevention practices that lead to effective prevention and control of COVID-19 in urban slums and markets.

Rehabilitative Massage for Stroke Patients with Muscle Weakness: A Systematic Review

2023-12-26T14:17:21+07:00

This study was a systematic literature review to investigate the effect of massage on stroke patients with muscle weakness. Experimental and quasi-experimental quantitative research papers published in Thai and English in Google Scholar, ThaiJo, PubMed, CINAHL, Medline Complete, and Cochrane Library databases from 2012–2022 were selected using a research screening tool developed by the researcher. A critical appraisal of experimental research or quasi-experimental research from the Joanna Briggs Institute was performed. Data extraction consisted of 2 parts, with Part 1 comprising general information about the research, and Part 2 comprising the content of the research. The second co-author of the study read the report independently and completed the data summary form. This systematic review found seven eligible articles on experimental and quasi-experimental studies concerning the effects of massage on stroke patients with muscle weakness, conducted both in Thailand (3 articles) and abroad (4 articles). The sample size was 50-444 people. There were 5 massage styles, including thick massage, touch massage, royal Thai massage and Indian massage. The results showed that massage reduced muscle spasms in patients with stroke, improved the function and sensation of nerve endings, and increased the ability to perform daily activities. Thus, it can be concluded that massage can be used in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Development of a Model to Prepare Nursing Students for Entry into the Nursing Professional in Interdisciplinary Communication with the SBAR Technique

2023-12-26T14:56:31+07:00

The objective of this study was to develop a model to prepare nursing students to learn to communicate professionally within an interdisciplinary team using the SBAR technique. The research included 1) studying the need for readiness preparation for communication with interdisciplinary team members using the SBAR technique; 2) developing a readiness preparation model to communicate with interdisciplinary team members using the SBAR technique; and 3) studying the results of using the developed model for readiness preparation to prepare nursing students to communicate professionally with interdisciplinary team members using the SBAR technique. The research and development were divided into 3 phases. In the first phase, needs assessment, the sample population was chosen through purposive sampling, which consisted of 25 nursing instructors, 25 professional nurses, 5 doctors, and 45 nursing students. The second and the third phase consisted of model development and testing on a sample of the fourth-year nursing students. This sample consisted of 60 students that were allocated to the experimental group and 30 to the control group. The research instruments included 1) semi-structured focus group discussion questions; 2) the developed readiness preparation model ; and 3) an evaluation form to assess knowledge, skills, and attitudes in applying the model. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The results indicated that 1) the need for readiness preparation consisted of (1) readiness preparation for nursing students to learn to communicate professionally with interdisciplinary team members was not clearly covered in the present curriculum; (2) nursing students were not confident in their ability to communicate effectively; and (3) they lacked knowledge and understanding of how to thoroughly communicate information. The readiness preparation model that was developed consisted of: (1) an intensive and pro-active SBAR lesson; and (2) practice in SBAR communication skills via virtual simulations. Following practicing communication using the model, the average knowledge and skills scores of the experimental group were different to a statistically significant degree at .05 level. The attitude scores were not different to a statistically significant degree.

Lesson Learned in Tertiary Health Service Systems in the Situation of Corona 2019 (Third wave Pandemic) in Bangkok Metropolitan Region

2023-12-26T15:09:56+07:00

The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had led to a high rate of infection spreading and exacerbating the situation of the 2019 coronavirus outbreak in Thailand, with the epicenter of the outbreak located in the Bangkok metropolitan area and its surrounding provinces. A qualitative study aimed to explore health system management during the situation of Corona 2019 (COVID-19) third wave pandemic in Bangkok Metropolitan Region. Data were collected by in-depth interview and focus group discussion during week 14 to week 54 in 2021 from 123 purposively selected participants including administrative staff and multidisciplinary health care teams. Content analysis was used for data analysis. The results revealed that: 1) Service delivery: restructuring of service systems, integration of crisis management principles, management of structural aspects and development of new practices in service delivery. 2) Health workforce: reducing workload and bringing the workforce together, developing competencies of healthcare providers and skills in caring for critically ill patients, and providing rewards. 3) Information: The medical service information system, the information reporting news system, and expenditure data recording system. 4) Access to essential medicine: managing medical supplies systems and accelerating the allocation and developing innovations and technologies in health care services.5) Financing: using hospital budget, special budget, disbursement from NHSO, and donations. 6) Leadership and governance: role modelling hard work, cooperation, establishment of a collaborative network, daring to change jobs, and changed mindsets.

Nursing Care for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated with COVID-19: A Case Study

2023-12-26T09:06:53+07:00

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a complication associated with COVID-19 after the child has recovered. It is a serious condition that can be fatal. This syndrome has been found to affect males more frequently than females, with an average age of 9.7 years. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children may manifest during the recovery phase or emerge 4-6 weeks after a COVID-19 infection. Thailand introduced guidelines for diagnosing and treating multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19. These guidelines have led to rapid diagnosis and treatment, resulting in positive outcomes for patients. However, as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19 is an emerging disease, nurses need to develop knowledge and skills that are consistent with the diagnosis and treatment guidelines. This is crucial for providing standardized nursing care. The purpose of this article is to provide knowledge and guidelines for planning nursing care for pediatric patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19. The article aims to serve as a guideline for nurses, enabling them to deliver evidence-based nursing care that ensures patient safety and a good quality of life.