The development of core competencies in patient referral and transfer systems using the ThaiRefer program by nurses working in the Emergency department at Lampang Hospital.

Abstract

This research is descriptive research, with the objective of studying the development of core competencies in the patient referral and transfer system using the ThaiRefer program by nurses working in the Emergency department at Lampang Hospital. The population for the study consists of nurses involved in the patient referral and transfer system within the Emergency department at Lampang Hospital, who worked between November 2023 - March 2024 and voluntarily participated in the project, totaling 42 nurses. The research tool used was a competency questionnaire for nurses working in the patient referral and transfer system using the ThaiRefer program. A 5-point Likert scale was used, evaluating three competencies; Competency 1: Assessment, triage, and emergency patient care (25 items). Competency 2: Initial treatment by nurses (9 items). Competency 3: Patient referral and transfer using the ThaiRefer program (13 items). The evaluation was conducted through observation of actual practice, assessing competencies before and after the population underwent competency development training, which lasted 8 weeks and involved both knowledge acquisition and hands-on practice. The data analysis revealed that Competencies 1 and 2 were rated as very good and good, respectively. However, Competency 3 was rated at a moderate level. Nonetheless, all competencies showed a significant increase in average scores and competency levels after the training compared to before (p<0.05).