Development of an integrated model for monitoring and promoting early childhood development at the Huathung Primary Care Unit, Khon Kaen Hospital.

Abstract

      This action research aimed to develop an integrated early childhood development monitoring and promotion model for the Huathung Primary Care Unit, Khon Kaen Hospital. The sample consisted of 375 parents or caregivers of children at the Huathung Primary Care Unit, Khon Kaen Hospital; 136 village health volunteers from the Huathung Primary Care Unit, Khon Kaen Hospital; 2 responsible public health officers from the Huathung Primary Care Unit, Khon Kaen Hospital; and 3 community leaders or representatives. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

      The research findings revealed that the existing system of the Huathung Primary Care Unit lacked integration with partner networks, was primarily reactive, and parents lacked knowledge of child development, resulting in only 60% of children having age-appropriate development. Therefore, the researchers developed a new model through three projects: capacity building training for parents and village health volunteers; practical training workshops; and the "Close to Home, Close to Heart" project, which organized monthly child development clinics along with proactive home visits. Following the development, it was found that the knowledge of public health personnel and parents increased to a high level of 100% and 85%, respectively. Attitudes, perceptions, participation, and satisfaction of all stakeholder groups increased to a high level. The rate of children with age-appropriate development increased to 85% in all five areas, and the screening time decreased from 25–30 minutes to 18–20 minutes per person.