Promoting Continuity of Care During End-of-Life in Bangkok: An Action Research Study

Continuity of care prioritizes patient-centered approaches. Effective continuity of care is essential for ensuring high-quality service delivery and benefits for patients in the end-of-life phase. Although continuity of care has been well-established, few studies have focused on promoting continuity of care in big cities. The purpose of this action research was to develop a model for continuity of care during the end-of-life phase in Bangkok. Key participants were 8 nurses involved in continuity of care services. The data collection consisted of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and document reviews. The research process followed the action research cycle. Content analysis was employed. The 3 emerging domains of continuity of care during the end-of-life included (1) comprehensive patient information; (2) collaborative care management; and (3) technology-supported care. The participants indicated that the key factors to successful continuity of care during the end-of-life involved: (1) clear goals; (2) effective communication; (3) proactive coordination; and (4) good health care provider–client relationships. The model motivated nurses and other providers in the hospital to change practices associated with continuity of care for palliative care patients. This study’s findings provide a foundation for future research to strengthen sustainable care continuity and develop palliative care networks in urban Thailand.