The Continuity of Care Model Development for Drug Users.

Abstract

     This quasi experiment research aimed at developing a continuing care model for drug addicts. The sample group was selected by purposive sampling according to the specified criteria, consisting of 74 drug addicts, 74 family caregivers, and 56 medical personnel. The instruments used for data collection were interviews, questionnaires on resilience, perceived self-efficacy in preventing relapse, self-care behaviors to prevent relapse, intention to drug abstinence, family functioning assessment, and a satisfaction questionnaire on the continuing care model for drug addicts. Data were analyzed using content analysis, percentages, means, standard deviations, and t-tests to compare data before and after the experiment.
     The study results revealed that: 1) Baseline information on continuing care for drug addicts: Problems before discharge included a lack of planning to strengthen necessary skills, a lack of activities to help reduce risk factors that could lead to relapse, and a lack of reinforcement to build self-confidence in quitting drug use. Problems after discharge included a lack of follow-up care for patients (via telephone and home visits). 2) Development of a continuing care model: The model consisted of 19 activities for patients, including 11 activities: 1) Getting to know each other and relieving stress; 2) Good mood, happy life; 3) Positive energy with a strong heart; 4) Dreams come true to goals; 5) Into the embrace of the family; 6) Problems are meant to be solved; 7) Self-worth; 8) Phone calls from afar; 9) Recharge your heart and move forward; 10) Call to cheer you up; 11) Learning to success. There were also 8 activities for families: 1) Getting to know each other and relieving stress; 2) Understanding drugs and the addicted brain; 3) This family is happy; 4) Into the embrace of the family; 5) Phone calls and follow-up visits-1; 6) Caring for each other; 7) Phone calls and follow-up visits-2; 8) Towards the finish line together. 3) Evaluation results: In the patient group, it was found that resilience, perceived self-efficacy in preventing relapse, self-care behaviors to prevent relapse, intention to quit drug use, family functioning, and satisfaction with the continuing care model for drug addicts after the experiment using the continuing care model, the experimental group had higher average scores. The experimental group had significantly higher average scores than the control group. In the family group, it was found that family functioning and satisfaction after the experiment using the model, the experimental group had higher average scores and the experimental group had significantly higher average scores than the control group (p-value <.05).