Development of an Integrated Health Information System for Network-Based Management of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nakae District, Thailand

Abstract

     This study was quasi-experimental research employed a research and development (R&D) approach conducted between October 2025 and March 2026. The participants included 64 healthcare personnel and NCD patients in the study area. The developed system consisted of a centralized data integration platform linking hospitals and subdistrict health-promoting hospitals, a patient tracking system, an automated alert system, and a management dashboard. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

     Results: Following system implementation, the service delivery model shifted from a hospital-centered approach to a network-based model. The hospital reduced NCD clinic services to two days per week (800–960 visits/month), while 19 subdistrict health-promoting hospitals provided services once per month (1,900–2,280 visits/month). Overall service coverage increased from an average of 2,440 to 3,240 visits per month (a 32.78% increase). Service efficiency improved, with average waiting time reduced from 2 hours 50 minutes to 1 hour 34 minutes (a 44.71% reduction), and appointment adherence increased from less than 60% to over 95%. User satisfaction was at the highest level (mean = 4.57, SD = 0.27), particularly in patient tracking, alert functions, and decision support. Stakeholder participation was also at the highest level, contributing significantly to the success of system development.