PROBLEMS AND OBSTACLES IN REFERRING PATIENTS ACROSS THE BORDER: A CASE STUDY OF THAILAND-LAO PDR.

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the problems and obstacles in referring patients across the border between Thailand and Lao PDR. and 2) to present the guidelines for developing the referral of patients across the border between Thailand and Lao PDR. This research used qualitative research tools. The data were collected by in-depth interviews to make a specific selection of 1) 1 person of Provincial Public Health or representative,
2) 4 persons responsible for international patient referral system; 2 persons of Thailand and 2 persons of Lao PDR, 3) 1 Chief Emergency Physician or representative of Thailand and 1 person of Lao PDR, 4) 2 persons of custom checkpoint officers or representatives, and 5) 4 persons of support team, totaling 13 people, using pseudonyms instead of interviewees. The research findings showed that 1) The problems encountered arise from the work of staffs and patients, including patients’ relatives, such as incomplete documents, deportation due to illegal immigration, delivery form, problem of cost of treatment, language misunderstandings. 2) Between the agencies in Mukdahan and Savannakhet provinces, the official telephone or online systems must be developed to forward information. The agreement should be made for an ambulance from Thailand to pick up emergency patients. The border crossing points should be improved to facilitate the referral of patients. The private sector should be proposed to participate in the operation.