Developing Care Approaches for Hepatitis C Virus Patients Receiving Services at the Hepatitis Clinic, Sawankhalok Hospital, Sukhothai Province.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

               This action research aimed to examine the current situation and challenges in the care process for hepatitis C virus patients, develop standardized clinical practice guidelines, and evaluate the effectiveness of care guidelines for hepatitis C virus patients receiving services at the Hepatitis Clinic, Sawankhalok Hospital, Sukhothai Province. The sample consisted of 10 healthcare personnel and 10 hepatitis C virus patients. Research instruments included care guidelines based on the PAOR cycle of Kemmis & McTaggart covering 5 steps, Clinical Pathway, assessment tools for knowledge, practice, and satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed-Rank Test.

            The results revealed that after implementing the guidelines, healthcare personnel's median knowledge scores significantly increased from 8.0 to 14.0 points (Z=-2.810, p<0.001), and practice scores increased from 45.0 to 71.0 points (Z=-2.803, p<0.001), with satisfaction of 46.7±3.2 points out of 50 (93.4%). Patients' median knowledge scores increased from 6.5 to 11.5 points (Z=-2.807, p<0.001), and practice scores increased from 43.5 to 66.0 points (Z=-2.803, p<0.001), with satisfaction of 41.6±3.5 points out of 45 (92.4%). Regarding clinical outcomes, median ALT and AST levels showed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). However, 100.0% of patients achieved undetectable HCV RNA, , which aligned with World Health Organization targets. The research findings demonstrated that the developed care guidelines were highly effective in enhancing knowledge and practice among both healthcare personnel and patients, while achieving treatment goals according to international standards. Further studies should be expanded to other hospitals with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up.