Abstract
This evaluation research was conducted based on qualitative research methodology with the objectives aiming to develop a framework for assessing research process and its impact of the granted research programme: a case study of “developing community-led health impact monitoring in Nan Province, Thailand (regarding transboundary pollution risks around Lao PDR – Thailand Border”). Theory of change (TOC) concept was applied guiding the development of the assessment framework, concerning causal mechanisms and factors related to the context of the case study. This study restructured theory of change as applied in the design of proposed research approach as conducted by the assessed research teams (the case study); by starting from 1) Context analysis 2) identification of Long-term change, or the impact of development 3) Sequencing of events, and 4) identification of assumptions prior to clarifying the assumptions towards desirable changes. These processes were conducted based on documentary analysis, workshops with key informants and experts, including interviews, and focused groups. In total, 9 focus groups and 18 interviews with 66 people and 2 workshops. There are 2 key components for assessing the case study: 1) Procedural audit framework, and 2) Research Impact Assessment (RIA) framework. Regarding the developed frameworks based on theory of change, 2 sets of Checklists were obtained as procedural audit framework checklist questions, and Research Impact Assessment (RIA) framework checklist questions. Key aspects proposed by the assessed research team that they aimed to deliver are 1) community-led health surveillance team, 2) community-led surveillance system, 3) lay knowledge system for the vulnerable communities and data driver culture, 4) cooperation platform connecting data between the surveillance team and project proponent, government authorities at operational level, policy level in both Thailand and Lao PDR, prior to 5) synthesizing the lessons learned and 6) disclose research findings to the public. In terms of building community-led health surveillance team, in order to gain health literacy on risks from coal fired power plant, and active citizen; we raised the assumptions that it is essential that there are sufficient number of citizens trained (quantitively & qualitatively) in connection with the guidebook (as identified in the surveillance system), and trained citizens become active in practice as the surveillance team (as the assumptions). The results suggested that training courses were conducted applying the citizen sciences concept for co-production of knowledge as part of building the community-lead health impact surveillance team. Building community-led health surveillance/ monitoring system, to make it works, it is necessary that the assumptions should be 1) community database includes data related to health, outcomes and interventions 2) data collected can lead to change – data can lead to management action to reduce risks and 3) Guidebook/ factsheet helps increase health literacy for relevant authorities/ stakeholders. Factors supporting the continuity and sustainability of the system reflected by key informants suggested that there should be 1) Active citizen as key actors in operating the system 2) Budget allocation for the surveillance team and maintaining the system 3) Coordinating authorities taking care of the monitoring devices an equipment operation and maintenance 4) Availability of user-friendly and active surveillance system, which allows relevant authorities make use of the data/ information to make decision and respond adequately in time in case relevant actions are required 5) Providing relevant knowledge for community as factors leading to raising awareness towards the problems and impact. As such, tools & guidelines should be tailored made based on community context, while the people can learn and practice by themselves for their communities 6) Community analysis which include mutual benefits gained from the operation of community-led health impact assessment system. In terms of building lay knowledge system of the vulnerable communities and data driver culture, the results suggested that a number of targeted citizens have been trained by the case study research teams, VDO clips were produced and communicated publicly via the Thai public broadcasting service (TPBS) channel. Meanwhile, data collection by the surveillance team remained limited. Data input in the information system were mainly from the experts (case study research team projects), and partially collected by trained community (active) citizens. As such, in phase 2 of the Hongsa research project teams, there are opportunity that the surveillance system is developed and applied more practically, for relevant involved authorities. To help making this works, the proposed assumptions are 1) community recognise need for data collection, and 2) build in redundancy to ensure data collection. Building platform connecting data between the surveillance team and project proponent, governmental authorities at operation level, policy level in both Thailand & Laos: Co-operation platform (C-Site application) was established. At the initial stage of the system, the application was trialled and adjusted for better performance, user friendly impression, and simplicity. The platform was used among the experts (the case study research teams) that the environmental quality was observed and studied, based on their research project objectives. Community-led team (school and community volunteers) also supplied collected data upon their assignments to C-Site application. Nevertheless, it was found that technical issues were occasionally encountered, according to the time of interviews & focused groups. There was limited accessibility as it was not an open data yet. In order that this cooperation platform can be successful, we addressed the assumptions that 1) the data are delivered to, and used by relevant Thai authorities in terms of health impact monitoring, decision-makers of required action at local level , and decision-makers of required actions at policy level; 2) the data are delivered to, and used by relevant Lao authorities for health impact surveillance, decision-makers of required action at local level, and decision-makers of required action at policy level. Currently (as of May 2024), it is likely that the data of the research findings as supplied by the expert teams will be considered at the level of Nan provincial working group on pollution surveillance committee. Although this is at the initial stage of the collaborations between the provincial committee, the research team with their trained citizens and the community-led surveillance system; it is a sign that provincial authority and relevant sectors in Nan welcome the collaborations with researchers and the community-led surveillance team, according to meeting minute of Nan provincial environmental pollution surveillance and monitoring committee, the national human right commission officers, and the research team on 19th April 2024.
