Evaluation of Risk Communication and Community Engagement Implementation under the Joint External Evaluation and International Health Regulations (2005) Framework in Health Region 6

Abstract

     This survey research assessed the implementation of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) under the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) framework for the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) in Health Region 6, Thailand. The study also identified success factors, barriers, and lessons learned, and synthesized an implementation success model. The CIPP model was applied to assess context, input, process, and product. Secondary data from fiscal years 2023-2025 comprised 24 province-year RCCE assessments from eight Provincial Public Health Offices, three annual implementation reports from the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 6, Chonburi, and two lesson-learned reports. Quantitative data were summarized using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and thematic analysis.

     The mean overall RCCE capacity score increased from 0.06±0.18 in 2023 to 3.29±1.20 in 2024 and 4.21±0.70 in 2025. Provinces attaining the green level (complete implementation) increased from 0 to 2 (25.0%) and 6 (75.0%), respectively. In 2025, R5.1 (RCCE systems for emergencies) had the highest mean score (4.56±0.60), followed by R5.2 (risk communication; 4.06±0.80) and R5.3 (community engagement; 4.00±1.10). Five qualitative themes were identified: leadership and organizational commitment, multisectoral collaboration, capacity building and knowledge management, information and documentation management, and a sustainable RCCE system.