Somsiew Imnoey. Pattern of mental health service at Nakhon Sawan community hospital . Master's Degree(Clinical Psychology). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2003.
Pattern of mental health service at Nakhon Sawan community hospital
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the patterns of mental health
services provided at Nakhon Sawan Community Hospitals in light of their
operational problems. The data were collected by interviewing public health
staff responsible for mental health services at the Mental Health Center, Region 8,
Public Health Office, Nakhon Sawan Province and those who were responsible for
providing mental health services at 12 community hospitals in the same province.
A project analysis was also performed on the basis of 64 projects in the 2001 –
2002 fiscal year. Data were collected in September and October, 2002. The study
tools used were 1. a structured questionnaire and 2. a document analysis form.
The data were presented in percentages and a descriptive analysis was done.
It was found that 2 patterns were used to provide mental health services at
the community hospitals in Nakhon Sawan. One was continuous and routine
service which was comprised of various activities related to basic criteria in mental
health improvement, as stated in the 9th National Socioeconomic Improvement Plan
(2002 – 2006). The other was problem-solving in particular areas, which were
divided into projects assigned by the Department of Mental Health and those
arising from a community hospital’s decision pertaining to problems that occurred.
The problems encountered included the lack of personnel, knowledge, medications
and medical equipment, building, planning, objectives-appropriate assessments and
follow – up programs.
This study recommends that clear – cut objectives and appropriate practices
in line with the region’s needs should be established. A system of networking
among hospitals vis-ā-vis mental health programs should also be improved.