Development of a Telemedicine-Based Care Model for Patients with Hypertension at Suwannaphum Hospital.

Abstract

     This action research aimed to investigate problems, develop a model, and evaluate outcomes of telemedicine-based care for patients with hypertension at Suwannaphum Hospital, Roi Et Province, from March to September 2024, over a period of 7 months. Qualitative sample included 148 participants consisting of multidisciplinary team members, patients, and community networks. The quantitative sample included 124 patients with well-controlled hypertension. Research instruments consisted of focus group discussion guidelines, satisfaction assessment forms, dietary behavior evaluation forms, and health record forms. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis.

     Results revealed that the care model development process comprised five main steps: system and team preparation, community and patient readiness assessment, consultation via Google Meet platform by multidisciplinary teams, clinical guidance and information transfer, and home medication delivery by riders. Implementation results showed statistically significant improvements in patient satisfaction (P<0.001), dietary behavior (P<0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction (P<0.001), and LDL cholesterol level decrease (P<0.001).