Ways of Developing Care of Service Users in Nonthaburi Protection Center for Helpless People

Abstract

          This study is to monitor a pilot project on a mental health care system for Mentally Ill Homeless Patients. The study adopts the CIPP approach and uses a range of qualitative research methods, including documentary research,field study,and in-depth interviews. Key informants are selected from those providing mental health care services, including rehabilitation to mentally ill homeless patients at Halfway home for women. From the study, we found that lack of specialized personnel such as professional nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, and caregivers becomes key challenges. The capacity-building program,developed as a result of a finding, has successfully enhanced the knowledge and capacities of concerned staff on the provision of mental health care services. Of 38staff from Halfway Home for women who attended the training program, 35or92.10% provided feedback to the training program that 26 of them or(74.28%)have gained more knowledge and attained skills needed to provide services to mentally ill homeless patients. In addition, the evaluation shows that the operational manual developed for on-site psychiatric rehabilitation for chronic schizophrenia homeless patients at Halfway home for women is useful and practicable. Staff interviewed recognized that the operational manual provides clear guidance on the provision of services that enhance  operational effectiveness