Assessing Performance Efficiency and Operational Challenges of Emergency Medical Services in Samut Songkhram, Thailand: A Mixed-Methods Study
| Author | Bovornpot Choompunuch | en |
| Author | Jatuporn Ounprasertsuk | en |
| Author | Afnam Wicha | en |
| Author | Tipvarin Benjanirat | en |
| Orcid | Bovornpot Choompunuch [0000-0002-4309-9608] | en |
| Orcid | Jatuporn Ounprasertsuk [0000-0002-8315-0439] | en |
| Orcid | Tipvarin Benjanirat [0000-0001-7753-8376] | en |
| Issued Date | 2026-01-31 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Emergency medical services (EMS) are essential for saving lives and ensuring rapid response during emergencies and disasters. The performance efficiency of EMS systems is a critical component of public health infrastructure, particularly in areas with limited resources. Objectives: The present study assessed the performance efficiency and operational challenges of EMS in Samut Songkhram province, Thailand. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 280 EMS personnel across five units using validated instruments: A 30-item Operational Challenges Scale [Content Validity Index (CVI) = 0.89, α = 0.92] and a 27-item Performance Efficiency Scale (CVI = 0.92, α = 0.90). Qualitative insights were obtained from focus group discussions with five EMS leaders. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and thematic content analysis were applied. Results: Operational problems were generally rated as very low to low, while overall EMS efficiency was rated as high. Regression analysis indicated that personnel-related challenges (β = 0.526, P < 0.001) and administrative issues (β = -0.132, P = 0.010) were significant factors associated with efficiency, while operational issues demonstrated borderline significance (β = 0.098, P = 0.055). Conclusions: The EMS units in Samut Songkhram demonstrate strong operational efficiency, particularly regarding response times and equipment readiness. However, personnel and administrative challenges persist. Addressing staffing shortages, improving inter-agency coordination, and ensuring equitable funding are critical to sustaining EMS performance and resilience in Thailand and other low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/semj-164046 | en |
| Keyword | Emergency Medical Services | en |
| Keyword | Efficiency | en |
| Keyword | Emergency Care | en |
| Keyword | Disasters | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Assessing Performance Efficiency and Operational Challenges of Emergency Medical Services in Samut Songkhram, Thailand: A Mixed-Methods Study | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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