The development of operating model for the Public Health emergency response – PHER: The lesson learned from management of public health emergency on COVID-19 situation in Rayong Province, Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop of operating model for the Public Health Emergency Response – PHER in Rayong Province. Key informants were executives and operators in government department and other.The questionnaire, in-depth interview and focus group were used for this study. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis.

The results of the study showed that Rayong's response to public health emergencies adopt the SCRIBEN-V Model Rayong, which intensifies screening, vaccination and ATK testing in workplaces every week to contain the disease and import bubble and seal quarantine based on the 2P2R principle. These emphasizes response according to the context of the area with 4 steps: planning, action, reflection and experimentation / observation. For process and management of public health situation in response to COVID-19 in Rayong Province have an emergency system and management through the Emergency Response Operation Center (EOC) mechanism, which is an international standard format, under the management of the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee. There were a surveillance system, Disease Control Information system, participation in all sectors, manpower Health Finance and Efficient Health Care System. Factors that affect successful were leadership, courage to think, dare to act, dare to make decisions. This enables unity  and integration of all.However, the Emergency Response Operation Center and Incident Command System (ICS) should be developed with the provincial administration playing a role to enhance the effectiveness of emergency response at all levels.