Home-based care for people with disabilities: Role of registered nurses within the District health system in Thailand

Abstract Background In Thailand, the number of people with physical disabilities (PwD) has been increasing. Following sweeping health care reforms in 2002, efforts were made to improve accessibility to health care by greatly increasing the number of Registered Nurses (RNs) working in local community health centres. Little is known, however, about the role of RNs in improving accessibility to home-based care and the outcomes of care for PwD in Thailand. Aim To explore the role of RNs in providing high quality home-based services for PwD who have severe limitations in movement. Methods A case study design was used to explore and describe the role of RNs in home-based care for PwD in one rural and one urban area in lower north Thailand. There were 73 participants, including PwD and their family members, community health volunteers, primary care providers, local government officers and members of the District Health management team. Data were collected from in-depth interviews and focus groups, which were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The roles of RNs in home-based care for PwD were found in four domains, as case manager, rehabilitation care provider, manager of the community health volunteers and broader care coordinator. Conclusion The full scope of the RN role in the provision of home-based care for PwD, in the district health system of Thailand, not only involves direct nursing care. The role also encompasses planning and co-ordination of the broad range of professional and non-professional services to meet the needs of PwDs in rural and urban settings.