The Rajavithi Hospital Heart Institute has served as a referral center for pediatric heart patients from 14 southern provinces for over 10 years. A collaborative coordination center was established between the Rajavithi Hospital Heart Institute, the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation (PCSF), and Songkhla Nakarin Hospital. This collaboration streamlines the referral process for pediatric heart patients requiring surgery at Rajavithi Hospital, minimizing delays and travel burdens. The initiative partners with the Southern Thailand Congenital Heart Disease Patient Assistance Center, under the Royal Patronage of Songkhla Nakarin Hospital. Approximately 100 patients are referred annually from Songkhla Nakarin Hospital alone.
Despite these efforts, many children remain untreated due to poverty, transportation difficulties, lack of awareness regarding the consequences of delayed surgery, and misconceptions. To address this, the Rajavithi Hospital Heart Institute is deploying a medical team to Songkhla Nakarin Hospital. This team comprises pediatric cardiac surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, and coordinating nurses. The goal is to expand access to timely surgical intervention.
Objectives:
1. To provide rapid treatment for congenital heart disease patients in southern Thailand, reducing complications and mortality.
2. To facilitate meetings between parents and surgeons, as well as parents of children who have undergone successful heart surgery. This fosters understanding and knowledge sharing.
3. To provide parents with clear surgical schedules, allowing for better pre- and post-operative care planning and reducing rescheduling due to illness.
Goal: At least 80% of all congenital heart disease children in the program will receive timely treatment.
Project Area: Songkhla Nakarin Hospital
Implementation:
Phase 1 (August – September 2014):
• Compilation of all congenital heart disease patients awaiting surgery at Songkhla Nakarin Hospital.
• Review of medical records and additional examinations to assess and prioritize treatment.
• Submission of data to surgeons for scheduling surgeries.
• Catheter-based heart interventions for suitable cases.
Phase 2 (October 27, 2014): A Rajavithi Hospital Heart Institute medical team travels to Songkhla Nakarin Hospital.
Team Members:
• Dr. Chusak Nu Daeng
• Dr. Kanyalak Witetsanithi, Pediatric Cardiologist, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation
• Ms. Nitiya Srisuwantaeng
• Ms. Katan yaphat Udomsap
This phase involves a semi-academic conference where surgeons meet with patients based on disease groups. Discussions will cover disease specifics and surgical procedures. Parents will have opportunities to exchange experiences, with those awaiting surgery interacting with those who have already undergone the procedure. The “Heart-to-Heart Support Team” will assist with coordinating and explaining the travel process and pre-operative preparations for Rajavithi Hospital, particularly for patients from the three southern border provinces. Free influenza vaccinations will be provided to pediatric congenital heart disease patients.
Phase 3 (October 2014 – August 2015): Monitoring and supervision to ensure patients receive surgery as planned.
Phase 4 (September 2015): Evaluation, summary of project findings, obstacles encountered, and solutions.
Budget: 100,000 THB
Project Leaders:
“Southern Thailand Congenital Heart Disease Patient Assistance Center, under the Royal Patronage,” comprising:
1. Dr. Supaporn Roymani, Dr. Kancharat Wongwai Thaweewong, Dr. Napon Chanthamani, Dr. Jira yut Jaruthat, Ms. Supalak Puttarak, Ms. Pimphan Othongkam (Cardiology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Songkhla Nakarin University)
2. Dr. Pheeraphat Makrapong, Dr. Chusak Nu Daeng, Ms. Nitiya Srisuwantaeng, Ms. Katan yaphat Udomsap (Rajavithi Hospital)
3. Assoc. Prof. Pae Sirisakdamkoeng (Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University)
4. Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation
Expected Outcomes:
1. Timely treatment for congenital heart disease patients in southern Thailand, reducing complications and mortality.
2. Improved parental understanding of the disease and surgical procedures, leading to better preparation for surgery and shorter wait times.
