Development of health care model for psychiatric patients with drug abuse by Nakha Lom Rak model collaboration with community network of Sophisai District, Buengkan Province.

Abstract

     This study was Participatory Action Research (PAR) study aimed to investigate the situation, problems, and existing models of care for psychiatric patients with substance use disorders; develop a care model for psychiatric patients with substance use disorders using the Naga Protective Care model in collaboration with community network partners; and evaluate the effectiveness of this care model in So Phisai District, Bueng Kan Province. The sample consisted of 17 multidisciplinary healthcare personnel, 62 community network partners, and 74 psychiatric patients with substance use disorders. Research instruments included semi-structured interview guides, demographic questionnaires, knowledge assessment forms, competency assessment forms, participation assessment forms, satisfaction assessment forms, psychiatric symptom assessment forms, quality of life assessment forms, and substance use assessment forms. Statistics used included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test for pre-post comparisons.

     Study results revealed that Naga Protective Care model comprised five core components: 1) N-Network Participation 2) A-Assessment (holistic evaluation) 3) G-Care Continuity 4) A-Activities (mental health promotion) 5) Protective Care-Loving Community. Results showed significant improvements across multiple domains: service accessibility increased by 62.89%, community referrals rose by 222.47%, treatment retention improved from 42.30% to 78.60%, readmissions decreased by 55.56%, quality of life advanced from poor (43.23 ± 8.03) to very good levels (72.05 ± 9.40), community acceptance increased by 100.31%, and violent incidents decreased by 75.00%. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in psychiatric symptoms and quality of life (p < .001).