Development of a Participatory Subdistrict Health-Promoting Hospital Network Model for Psychiatric Care Using Digital Technology in Non Sung District, Nakhon Ratchasima.

Abstract

      This participatory action research (PAR) aimed to develop a digital model for monitoring, screening, and caring for psychiatric patients in the community ("Mental Health Check In" app, QR code, and telemedicine), piloted in Non Suang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (March–September 2025), covering 18 primary care facilities. The research process is divided into four phases: situation assessment, innovation development, pilot testing (15 villages, 81 village health volunteers, 817 population), and scaling up to the entire district (18 facilities). Tools include a knowledge/participation questionnaire for the network (n=100), a caregiver and patient questionnaire (n=82), a patient data recording form, and a satisfaction survey for the app/telemedicine. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and qualitative analysis (FGD/interviews) were used for data analysis.

      Results: Network knowledge improved from mean 8.12 ± 2.45 to 11.09 ± 2.30 (p < 0.001). Caregiver satisfaction averaged ≥4.0/5; care competency increased significantly. The digital tools and telemedicine enhanced screening coverage and access. Key constraints were limited internet infrastructure in some areas, necessitating paper-based fallback procedures.

      Conclusions: The digital–telemedicine model increased access, screening, and community network capacity in the pilot area. To scale sustainably, investments in infrastructure, clinical protocols, app quality-control, and long-term outcome monitoring are recommended.