Health care and rehabilitation services utilization, benefits and satisfaction: a community survey of individuals with spinal cord injury in Thailand
2
Issued Date
2022-08-01
Resource Type
ISSN
13624393
eISSN
14765624
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85125056482
Pubmed ID
35197575
Journal Title
Spinal Cord
Volume
60
Issue
8
Start Page
739
End Page
745
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Spinal Cord Vol.60 No.8 (2022) , 739-745
Suggested Citation
Pattanakuhar S. Health care and rehabilitation services utilization, benefits and satisfaction: a community survey of individuals with spinal cord injury in Thailand. Spinal Cord Vol.60 No.8 (2022) , 739-745. 745. doi:10.1038/s41393-022-00777-y Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/85698
Title
Health care and rehabilitation services utilization, benefits and satisfaction: a community survey of individuals with spinal cord injury in Thailand
Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Study design: Cross-sectional study. Objectives: This study aimed to explore and report on health care and rehabilitation service utilization, rehabilitation service benefits, and levels of satisfaction of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in communities in Thailand. Setting: Four rehabilitation facilities in Thailand, two university hospitals (Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital in Chiang Mai Province and Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok), one large provincial hospital (Ratchaburi Hospital in Ratchaburi Province), and one national rehabilitation institute (Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute in Nonthaburi Province). Methods: This study was part of the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey (InSCI). Individuals with SCI completed a set of questionnaires, then data related to their health care and rehabilitation services were extracted and analyzed. Results: Of the 320 participants, most were male (71%), and the majority were living with paraplegia (73%). In cases of mild illnesses where hospitalization was not required, 46% went to a nearby health service hospital. In cases of serious illnesses where hospitalization was required, 39% went to a higher-level hospital. The majority (80%) were satisfied with their experience with health care services. The three top preferred products and services in descending order were wheelchairs and cushions, increased disability pension, medication and medical equipment including bladder relaxants, urinary catheters and urine bags. Conclusions: Individuals with SCI living in communities in Thailand preferred treatment at a nearby district hospital for mild illnesses with one-third transferring to a higher-level hospital for serious illnesses. The majority were satisfied with the health care services and rehabilitation services.