Developing a Preparedness Framework for Implementation Multicultural Health Service Standards in Pilot Hospitals, Andaman Coast, Southern Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop guidelines for preparedness in the application of the standard for multicultural healthcare service systems in pilot hospitals in the Andaman coast of Southern Thailand. This was a qualitative research study. Purposive sampling was used to select a total of 20 key informants, comprising administrators and officers responsible for hospital standard criteria, personnel responsible for the healthcare service system in the area, and individuals with cultural differences in the area. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion questions. The triangulation method was used to verify data accuracy, and the data were analyzed using content descriptive analysis.

The results revealed that the development of the participatory preparedness guidelines, through data collection from the key informants, resulted in four key dimensions of preparedness: 1) Assessment of local context and cultural health databases, 2) Development of manuals and practical guidelines appropriate for target groups, 3) Cultural competency development for personnel, and 4) Establishment of mechanisms for cooperation and community participation. These resultant guidelines are designed to be flexible and adaptable according to the specific characteristics of the area and its population. They can be applied as a tool for planning culturally diverse healthcare services, helping to build service-user confidence, reduce communication barriers, and improve access to healthcare services for ethnic groups. Furthermore, they provide a framework for developing multicultural competency in service delivery among personnel.