Development of a Participatory Network-Based System for Medical Device Management to Enhance Sustainable Health Human Capital in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces

Abstract

    This study aimed to (1) develop a participatory network-based system for medical device management in healthcare facilities in Thailand’s southern border provinces to enhance standards and operational efficiency in preventive maintenance (PM) and calibration (CAL) (2) strengthen the capacity of healthcare personnel in medical device management and (3) analyze the alignment of the developed system with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach integrated with Participatory Action Research. The research was conducted in 33 hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health in the southern border provinces.  The sample consisted of 158 personnel involved in medical device management with complete data. Research instruments included operational tools, a participatory network system, operational logbooks, competency assessment forms, and an SDG alignment analysis tool. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The findings revealed that the developed system consisted of five levels of participation: Inform, Consult, Involve, Collaborate, and Empower and High Impact. The network successfully delivered four types of calibration services, generated 5,148 calibration reports, and enabled two hospitals to establish standardized medical device management systems. A total of 152 participants (96.20%) met the predefined minimum competency criteria, with a mean competency score of 92.91 ± 12.91 percent. Furthermore, the system demonstrated alignment with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). In conclusion, the results of this study reflect that the participatory network-based system can be implemented to improve medical device management and support the development of personnel competency in the study area. The findings also suggest that such an approach may be applicable to other settings with similar contextual constraints.