Process, quality and challenges of diabetes care in primary care: a study of district health network in Thailand

This study aimed to describe the process of care, assess the quality of care based on defined indicators, and identify challenges associated with providing diabetes care via sub-district health promotion hospital (SHPH) facilities in Thailand. Primary care policy has directed that diabetes care be delivered via SHPH in order to reduce hospital congestion and minimize travel costs for patients. Limited data is available regarding the structure for providing care. Likewise, barriers to delivery of optimal care have not been well defined, especially from the perspective of health care providers. This study employed mixed-methods research, which included semi-structured interviews to gain insights into the current diabetes care process, a descriptive study to evaluate quality of care, and use of a focus group to identify challenges associated with delivery of diabetic care via SHPH. Diabetes care processes in primary care included multiple steps and involved collaboration between various health care providers at both the hospital and SHPH. Four process indicators and one outcome had been achieved but performance of other indicators was apparently low. Three factors were found to pose challenges to providing this service: the resources of the health service, the delivery of services, and patient factors. SHPH require additional support, particularly in the areas of primary care workforce, finance, medical device procurement, and patient information systems. While delivery of diabetes care via primary care centers has been well established in Thailand, regional differences in the quality of care persist. Additional support is required to strengthen the primary care system nationwide.