The Wellness Center in Public Hospitals in Thailand: A Qualitative Assessment Using RE-AIM Model

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) become one of serious health issues globally including Thailand. The Wellness Center was introduced by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in public hospitals since 2018 for both healthy people and people who at risk for NCDs. It incorporates risk evaluation, health assessment, health behaviors changing, health promotion and prevention, and health record system to follow participant’s health status. This study aimed to evaluate the Wellness Centers in three public hospitals in Thailand using RE-AIM framework. Findings indicated that the Wellness Centers successful reached its target groups. Although sample size was small, the findings provided a positive outcome. Besides, the average weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) had reduced significantly after participants attending both services of Wellness Centers. However, there were some challenges from this program such as financial sustainability, performance indicator, and data system.