Abstract
This study developed and e valuated “WinCare,” a model that deploys
trained non-medical volunteer caregivers to strengthen continuous primary care for
older adults with chronic diseases who often live alone and struggle with symptom
monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle adjustments. Conducted with support
from the Health Systems Research Institute, the project targeted urban primary care
units transferred to local administrative organizations and compared health outcomes
before–after implementation and between intervention and control groups. Over four
months (May–August 2015) in Rayong Province—the Phe Subdistrict Health-Promoting
Hospital and the Wat Sopan Public Health Service Center—eight volunteers per unit
were recruited from local residents with altruism, transportation, and smartphone
proficiency. After training in non-medical tasks (blood pressure and weight
measurement, medication and appointment reminders, basic health advice, and
recognition of warning symptoms), volunteers made weekly home visits, recorded
findings in real time via the WinCare application, and coordinated through LINE. Each
volunteer cared for ~5 patients and received a stipend of 1,500 THB/month. In total,
74 older adults received WinCare (36 Phe; 38 Wat Sopan) and were compared with 61
controls (33; 28). Implementation was safe, feasible, and non-duplicative of village
health volunteers or bedridden-patient caregivers. Within four months, the
intervention group showed significantly improved blood pressure control and overall
health status. Qualitative data indicated volunteers’ pride and careful practice, a strong
patient need for caregivers, appropriateness of weekly follow-up, and the value of
routine measurements in providing immediate feedback and building trust. WinCare
represents an effective, community-anchored mechanism that augments primary care
capacity and enables truly continuous care for older adults.
