Model Development for Maternal and Child Health Services Through Multi-Sectoral Network Participation in Sukhothai Province

Abstract

     This participatory action research was conducted to develop a maternal and child health operational model through the active involvement of network partners in Sukhothai Province. The study was implemented in four iterative stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Participants were maternal and child health network partners in Sukhothai Province, purposively selected based on their roles and responsibilities, their continuous engagement throughout the research process, and their experience in maternal and child health operations in the local context. Data were collected using focus group discussion guidelines, a model quality assessment form, semi-structured interview guides, document and indicator database extraction forms, observation records, audio recorders, cameras or smartphones, and field notes. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

     The findings indicated that the maternal and child health operational model with the participation of network partners in Sukhothai Province, referred to as the Sukhothai 6P PLUS model, comprises two core components. The first component is the 6P service chain, consisting of Pre-conception care (P1), Plan of antenatal care (P2), Pre-delivery care (P3), Professional delivery (P4), Postpartum care (P5), and Plan of quality child (P6). The second component is the 4 PLUS driving mechanisms, namely Partnership and integration (PLUS-1), Local community engagement and health literacy (PLUS-2), Unified data system (PLUS-3), and Skill enhancement and capacity building (PLUS-4). The overall quality assessment showed that the model performed at a high level, with usefulness rated at the highest level, feasibility and accuracy and comprehensiveness at high levels, and appropriateness at a moderate level. Furthermore, results from pilot implementation, scaling up, and lessons learned demonstrated that the Sukhothai 6P PLUS model was effective in improving maternal and child health indicators. Importantly, the participatory integration of network partners was found to contribute to sustainable improvements in the quality of life of mothers and children.