Emergency Scenario-Based Training Curriculum Development: Enhancement of Caregivers for the Elderly' Emergency Assistance Competency in a Rural Thai Community.

Background: Caregivers for the elderly are a critical component of the health care system, especially in rural communities. They play a crucial role, assisting older people in confronting emergency illnesses. Objective: The study describes the process of developing an emergency scenario-based training curriculum (ESBTC) for caregivers of the elderly, focusing on geriatric life-threatening surveillance and emergency assistance (GLTSEA) in rural communities. Methods: The descriptive qualitative research utilized for developing the ESBTC followed Karn's six steps of curriculum development: (1) needs assessment, (2) targeted needs assessment, (3) goals and objectives, (4) educational strategies, (5) implementation, and (6) evaluation and feedback. The research sample comprised community representatives engaged in providing care during emergency illnesses, emergency experts, and health care providers. A group discussion and focus group were conducted along with semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed by content analysis following Creswell's six steps. Results: The results revealed problems and needs related to the care and management of emergency illnesses in rural communities. Five main themes emerged, including insufficient knowledge, difficulties in communication, mindfulness and self-confidence, Unable to assess the initial symptoms, and a need for skills development. In the development step, the curriculum focused on skill development and continued follow-up to ensure necessary skills, such as providing basic life support, using automated external defibrillators, through training scenarios. In the evaluation step, the participants indicated that their emergency assistance skills had improved. The six main themes that emerged regarding the training continuity, courses, and competencies needed to support the emergency system for caregivers were benefits and value, competence enhancements, upstreaming confidence, sustainable development, challenges in curriculum development, and effective strategies. Conclusions: The ESBTC combines community-based and realistic scenarios, involving the participation of community stakeholders. It is crucial to gather community feedback and needs assessments to formulate potential strategies as part of the curriculum.

Thai family caregivers' experiences helping dependent elders during medical emergencies: a qualitative study.

AIM: To describe the experience of family caregivers of dependent elders during medical emergencies in rural settings in Thailand. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative research using in-depth interviews of 15 participants. Content analysis was applied to transcribed interviews, including data reduction as well as identification of key words, phrases, and themes. RESULTS: The findings described the experience of caregivers of dependent older persons who faced emergency illness. Most of the family caregivers described their roles in unusual situations as practising assessment first and doing something that may relieve the symptoms experienced by the older persons before initiating and calling for help from relatives, neighbors, and, finally, the emergency medical services. The caregivers four main barriers to them feeling competent: (1) lack of home monitoring devices, (2) inexperienced caregivers in assessing warning signs to report during emergency care, (3) lack of information and understanding of patient rights in emergency health services, and (4) delayed arrival of emergency medical services. CONCLUSIONS: There are barriers to the development of competency in caregiving skills, especially in assessing and recognizing warning signs and initiating first aid accurately before the arrival of the emergency health care team.

Sexual patterns and practices among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand: A qualitative assessment.

The global trend in HIV incidence overall is declining; however, there is a plateau in new HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) despite extensive investment in HIV prevention targeting these populations. Many studies usually conflate these two groups together, which may overlook many disparate characteristics unique to each population, impeding the efficacy of HIV interventions. To better understand the vulnerable diversity that may put these individuals at risk of HIV infection, we conducted qualitative analysis among Thai MSM and TGW, aiming to identify sexual pattern themes of MSM and TGW in Bangkok in order to better understand their distinctive sexual life context. Convenient and purposive samplings were used to recruit Thai MSM and TGW aged ≥ 18 years old and living in Bangkok, Thailand, for focused group discussions and one-on-one in-depth interviews, respectively. Total of 12 MSM and 13 TGW participated in focused group discussions, which were conducted separately for MSM and TGW. Additionally, 5 MSM and 5 TGW were involved in one-on-one in-depth interviews. Thematic analyses were performed separately for MSM and TGW. The results show that MSM and TGW have distinct and diverse sexual patterns, and within the identified themes: partnering, partner finding, protection, and enhancing sexual pleasure (only for MSM). Participants reported having varying sexual experiences. Recognizing the difference and diversity in partnering and sexual practice of MSM and TGW is crucial in order to develop tailored interventions that suit the vulnerability of the key populations in Thailand.

CHALLENGES IN THE PREVENTION OF HIV AMONG THAI HOMOSEXUAL MALES IN THE ERA OF DIVERSITY AND FREEDOM OF CULTURE.

Undeniably, Thai society has changed dramatically, the way of life, values, beliefs and practices have shifted from what they were previously. Exposure to western culture, values and lifestyles are responsible for changes in the way of life of Thai people and their society.