Developing a Integrated Treatment and Continuous Care Model for Substance Use Disorders : A Case Study from Nong Bua Lamphu, Province.

Abstract

      This action research aimed to investigate current situations and problems, develop and implement, and evaluate an integrated treatment and continuous care model for patients with substance use disorders. Sample size were 661 patients. Data collection instruments comprised questionnaires, record forms, evaluation forms, and focus group discussion guidelines, with an Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) index ranging from 0.80 to 1.00. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentage differences.

      The research results revealed: 1) Current Situations and Problems: Issues were identified regarding information and reporting systems, care transition gaps and risks of relapse during continuous follow-up, as well as an imbalance between workload, staffing frameworks, and budget allocation. 2)Integrated Treatment and Continuous Care Model: The developed model comprised five core elements: screening and classification, treatment process, continuous follow-up, dedicated follow-up teams, and reporting and evaluation. and, 3)Model Evaluation Results: Patients received continuous quality care with an overall success rate (retention rate) of 87.29%. For outpatient rehabilitation under the biopsychosocial program, the overall mean score of symptoms and biopsychosocial status increased from 63.40% pre-development to 64.70% post-development. Two Mini-Thanyarak centers operating in the area provided 40 sub-acute care beds, treating 352 patients with an average bed occupancy rate of 54.92%. Patients reported a moderate level of self-efficacy in preventing relapse. Experts rated the standard quality of the model at the highest level, while patients and their relatives expressed a high level of satisfaction.