DEVELOPMENT OF A SERVICE ACCESS SYSTEM FOR STROKE PATIENTS IN THE COMMUNITY OF MUEANG YALA DISTRICT, YALA PROVINCE

Abstract

Stroke is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death and long-term disability. In Yala province, the mortality rate from stroke is higher than the national average, primarily due to delayed access to medical services. The lack of an efficient healthcare access system leads to a reduction in timely treatment opportunities and worsens patient outcomes. This study aims to develop a service access system for stroke patients in the community of Mueang Yala District, Yala Province, to reduce delays in accessing care, enhance referral efficiency, and improve patients' quality of life.

This research follows a Research and Development (R&D) approach, conducted in four phases: (1) Situation analysis using surveys and in-depth interviews to assess access barriers, (2) Development of a healthcare access system incorporating digital technology and multidisciplinary care models, (3) System implementation and outcome evaluation, and (4) System refinement and best practice recommendations. Data collection tools included questionnaires, interviews, and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assessments. The study sample comprised stroke patients, their families, and healthcare personnel in the target community.

            The results indicate that the developed system significantly reduced the time taken for stroke patients to access medical care, increased the rate of emergency referrals, and enhanced patient and family satisfaction. Additionally, the system enabled healthcare professionals to monitor patient conditions more effectively. Findings suggest that the implemented service access model can be adapted for use in other communities to improve stroke patient care and survival rates.

Keywords: Service Access; Stroke; Community Healthcare System