Walailak University: 2022 Health Outreach Programs for Local Community, Disadvantaged People and Immigrant Community

Walailak University has continuously delivered outreach activities and programs in the field of health and well-being to provide free services to the general public in the community. These services are extended to elderly individuals, disadvantaged people, and immigrant community, both within the community and to those receiving services at the Walailak University Hospital (WUH).

Disadvantage: Sustainable Elderly Care and Rehabilitation System Project in Satit Walailak Pattana Community (3rd year ongoing project)

Walailak University, in collaboration with the School of Allied Health Sciences and the Center for Academic Services, has launched an outreach program for Elderly and disadvantaged individuals in the local community. This initiative, titled the “Sustainable Elderly Care and Rehabilitation System Project in Satit Walailak Pattana Community,” is now in its third year of development. The project is dedicated to enhancing the healthcare network within the community, following the principle of a “Seamless Service Network,” and strengthening the capabilities of the Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital in the field of rehabilitation. 

Over the past two years, the project has primarily focused on providing rehabilitation services for elderly and disadvantaged patients with long-term health issues. To ensure clear clinical outcomes for these patients, the project has evolved in its third year to establish a more comprehensive service system: 1) database system and referral system for patients who need rehabilitation services, 2) a physical therapy system for sub-acute and long-term patients, and 3) a disease prevention and promotion service system for those at risk of developing health issues.  

In 2022, the project that adopted certain adjustments yielded significant outcomes: 1) A basic database system: Originally planned as a web application development, the project faced budget constraints and was therefore adjusted to being an electronic database run on Google to develop into a future system. 2) A continuous home visit for physical therapy service: The new patients in the 3rd year project receiving a home visit were 5 patients, four of which were stroke patients and one was a spinal cord injury patient. All patients received physical therapy rehabilitation program consisting of passive range of motion exercise, strengthening exercise, and practicing basic movement activities with a working group physical therapist and the leader as a service provider. 3) A health fair providing a screening of body composition to analyze body fat, muscle mass, metabolic rate, and disseminating knowledge training through recreational activities on the topic “Be aware and Disease Prevention”, which focused on chronic non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, along with disease prevention by the 3 principles of diet, exercise, and emotions. This activity was attended by more than 50 households at Satit Walailak Pattana Community Health Promoting Hospital.

Additionally, counseling outreach services are provided for migrants from Myanmar and Laos on exercise and muscle stretching programs to aid in the recovery of patients suffering from muscle inflammation due to strenuous work.