Lessons Learned from the Management for Public Health Emergencies of Healthcare System during COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Border Provinces, Thailand

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the management of public health emergencies of health systems. This qualitative research aimed: 1) to study the situation, lessons learned, and challenges in preparedness, prevention, and response to the COVID-19 emergency; and 2) to evaluate the outcomes of emergency management systems during the COVID-19 crisis of the southern border provinces. The participants consisted of 115 policy key informants and 139 practitioners purposively selected. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and brainstorming sessions. The transcribed data were analyzed using content analysis. Results revealed that the preparedness, prevention, and responses to the COVID-19 emergency by the tertiary, secondary, and primary healthcare systems in the five southern border provinces were inadequate. Challenges included limitations in establishing emergency operation centers and incident command systems, lack of preparedness drills according to operational guidelines. Team members did not fully understand their roles and responsibilities within the mission framework (situation assessment, operations, risk communication, case management, medical supplies and logistics, and legal aspects). Additionally, insufficient personnel and budget for proper management of COVID-19 patients and the deceased according to scientific protocols and lifestyle/religious beliefs posed obstacles to disease prevention and control efforts. The evaluation of public health emergency management system revealed that all provinces lacked efficiency in preventing and controlling COVID-19. The Ministry of Public Health should establish policies and allocate necessary resources to enable continuous preparedness drills for national epidemic response plans, emergency operation centers, and incident command systems at the provincial and district levels. Collaborations with special agencies such as the Provincial Islamic Committee Office, Islamic religious leaders, and religious teachers should be fostered to address future epidemics.