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Experiences of Community Health Volunteers in Using Health Screening
Applications for Management of Health Risk in Older Adults:
A Case Study in Songkhla

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N. Puttakun, P. Songwathana, W. Sorat, R. Kaewmak, and P. Atthawong 3
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1 Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, Primary care department, Thepha Hospital,
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Thailand, and Community nursing department, Songkhla Hospital, Thailand
Background: Using health screening applications by community health volunteers (CHVs) for improving
coverage of service delivery for older adults is identified as a key strategy. It may have some impacts under
the large project of implementing a geriatric comprehensive health care innovation in Songkhla.

Objective: The study aimed to explore the experiences of using health screening applications for older
adults by CHVs.

Methods: The qualitative study was employed. Data were collected through focus group discussions
with 18 participants who were CHVs with experience in using health screening applications at least 6
months. Data were analyzed by content analysis.

Results: Participants perceived that comprehensive health care innovation means 1) Caring for older
adults in every process (screening, interpreting, giving advice, referring, and problem-solving), 2) Using
technology to care for older adults proactively, 3) Combining physical and mental care. They identified
several benefits of using applications such as improving physical and mental health, decreasing the need
to go to hospital, reducing the burden and conflicts between caregivers and older adults, and reducing
expenses for citizens and the government. In addition, the applications were easy to use, convenient, and
real-time response. It increases the capability and value of community health volunteers by helping them
Oral Presentation Abstracts
learn and improve their working skills and applying knowledge to direct care at home. They feel happy to
see their patient’s health status improved. However, barriers in using applications were reported regarding
accessibility, some difficult questioning to answer by older adults. Overall, they recommended other places
to use the application due to its ease of use and convenience when working in community.

Conclusion: Health screening applications are innovative methods that support community health
volunteers in managing health risks and promoting health for older adults. Intensive evaluation of its
impacts is needed when assessing older adults with an illness specific.

Keywords: application, community health volunteer, health screening, older adults

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Correspondence: Nareerat Puttakun, Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
E-mail: nareerat.p@psu.ac.th

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