Continuity of Care for Postoperative Patients Across Hospital and Community Settings inThailand: A Qualitative Study
Dublin Core
Title
Continuity of Care for Postoperative Patients Across Hospital and Community Settings inThailand: A Qualitative Study
Subject
Continuity of care; postoperative patients; qualitative study
Description
Background: Postoperative recovery after major neurosurgical, orthopedic, and abdominal procedures substantially affects the quality of life of patients and their
caregivers. In Thailand, multiple strategies, such as referral systems, postoperative
care plans, home follow-up, and patient and caregiver education, have been
implemented to promote recovery and continuity of care from hospital to home.
However, persistent challenges remain, particularly regarding community-based
service models, access to care, and the provision of welfare and benefits.
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the continuity of care for postoperative
patients across hospitals and community healthcare services in Thailand.
Methods: A qualitative study using an ethnographic approach was conducted,
involving 86 informants recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Key
informants (n = 57) included postoperative patients (n = 7), caregivers (n = 8),
healthcare providers (n = 35), and executives of relevant agencies (n = 7). An
additional 29 general informants provided supplementary perspectives. Data
collection methods included participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus
group discussions, field notes, and document analysis. Data validity was ensured
through triangulation, and analysis followed Creswell’s thematic analysis approach.
Results: Three themes emerged: (1) organization of healthcare services, describing
coordinated hospital and community systems for rehabilitation, referral, discharge
planning, home visits, long-term care, and emergency support; (2) support for
postoperative patients, including capacity building for patients and caregivers,
shared information systems, and welfare, social, and financial support after
discharge; and (3) management and coordination, facilitating community-based
postoperative care through integrated data systems and shared governance
arrangements.
Conclusion: Continuity of postoperative care in Thailand is strengthened through
integrated hospital–community services, caregiver support, and coordinated
management systems. Nurses play a pivotal role in follow-up care, information
exchange, and patient support. Enhancing organizational integration, support
mechanisms, and coordination may improve continuity of care and address existing
service gaps.
caregivers. In Thailand, multiple strategies, such as referral systems, postoperative
care plans, home follow-up, and patient and caregiver education, have been
implemented to promote recovery and continuity of care from hospital to home.
However, persistent challenges remain, particularly regarding community-based
service models, access to care, and the provision of welfare and benefits.
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the continuity of care for postoperative
patients across hospitals and community healthcare services in Thailand.
Methods: A qualitative study using an ethnographic approach was conducted,
involving 86 informants recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Key
informants (n = 57) included postoperative patients (n = 7), caregivers (n = 8),
healthcare providers (n = 35), and executives of relevant agencies (n = 7). An
additional 29 general informants provided supplementary perspectives. Data
collection methods included participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus
group discussions, field notes, and document analysis. Data validity was ensured
through triangulation, and analysis followed Creswell’s thematic analysis approach.
Results: Three themes emerged: (1) organization of healthcare services, describing
coordinated hospital and community systems for rehabilitation, referral, discharge
planning, home visits, long-term care, and emergency support; (2) support for
postoperative patients, including capacity building for patients and caregivers,
shared information systems, and welfare, social, and financial support after
discharge; and (3) management and coordination, facilitating community-based
postoperative care through integrated data systems and shared governance
arrangements.
Conclusion: Continuity of postoperative care in Thailand is strengthened through
integrated hospital–community services, caregiver support, and coordinated
management systems. Nurses play a pivotal role in follow-up care, information
exchange, and patient support. Enhancing organizational integration, support
mechanisms, and coordination may improve continuity of care and address existing
service gaps.
Creator
Maniga Yusamran1
,Apinya Jumpamool2
,Apinya Jumpamool2
Source
https://doi.org/10.14710/nmjn.v15i3.73106
Date
30 December 2025
Contributor
PERI IRAWAN
Format
PDF
Language
ENGLISH
Type
TEXT
Files
Collection
Citation
Maniga Yusamran1
,Apinya Jumpamool2, “Continuity of Care for Postoperative Patients Across Hospital and Community Settings inThailand: A Qualitative Study,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed February 21, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/11346.