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Nov 2, 2022

Adapting to an Aging Society: The Role of National Health Information System.

Adapting to an Aging Society: The Role of National Health Information System.

Currently, many countries have transitioned to an aging society, and Thailand is no exception. In 2022, the elderly population in Thailand reached 12.1 million, accounting for 18.3% of the total population. The most crucial aspect for the elderly is healthcare.


But did you know? Most elderly people in Thailand still do not have access to quality healthcare services. However, we can improve the quality of life for the elderly by applying digital technology. One such approach is the implementation of the National Health Information System (NHIS).


What is the National Health Information System (NHIS)?


The National Health Information System (NHIS) is a national database that stores electronic health records of the elderly in real-time. This includes personal information, health insurance details, medication allergies, medical history, treatment history, medication usage, and hospital visit history, among other data.


The information stored on this platform can be shared with relevant stakeholders. It also includes data on healthcare providers and medical facilities.


How Can the National Health Information System Be Utilized?


  • Supporting Continuous Care: The data can be analyzed to enhance continuity in patient care and improve the quality of healthcare services.


  • Big Data Analysis: The collected data becomes a valuable resource for analysis, aiding government efforts in disease prevention and allowing for more effective policy planning.


Can the National Health Information System (NHIS) Do Everything on Its Own?


In reality, the NHIS is just a database. Therefore, alongside the establishment of the NHIS, it is also essential to develop a Medical Portal for healthcare providers. This portal allows healthcare professionals to access patient information for diagnosis and treatment.


Moreover, it facilitates communication and collaboration among medical personnel, enabling them to exchange opinions and expertise even if they are not at the same hospital. This integrated approach ensures the best possible diagnosis and treatment for the elderly.



In addition, a Patient Portal needs to be developed to allow patients to view and update their personal information at any time. Elderly individuals or their caregivers can use the Patient Portal to search for information about hospitals and doctors within the system to choose appropriate healthcare providers, as well as to make appointments directly.


The Patient Portal can also be used as a channel to provide news about diseases and appropriate health care recommendations for the elderly.


Why is the Development of the National Health Information System Important for Thailand?


The National Health Information System (NHIS) is crucial for Thailand’s public health sector as it offers a solution to the challenges elderly individuals face in accessing healthcare services. Many elderly people in Thailand live in rural areas where medical personnel are scarce, or in some cases, there are no nearby medical facilities at all.


As a result, many elderly individuals need to travel to urban centers or other provinces to see specialist doctors. This journey can be extremely difficult due to physical limitations. Some elderly individuals might spend hours or even days traveling to a hospital, only to wait in line for a few minutes of consultation with a doctor.


Additionally, some elderly people are impoverished and unable to support themselves, making it even harder for them to access healthcare services. This socio-economic challenge, combined with physical barriers, leads many elderly individuals to postpone or cancel medical appointments and health checks.


The NHIS can significantly improve the quality of life for the elderly, particularly for those with chronic diseases (NCDs) who need regular medical follow-ups. For instance, elderly patients or their family members can update their daily blood pressure readings, blood sugar levels, daily calorie intake, or exercise data into the system. This allows doctors to adjust treatment plans appropriately without requiring the patient to travel to the hospital.


Challenges in Using the National Health Information System (NHIS) in Thailand


Several challenges may affect the effective access and use of the NHIS, such as:


  • Limited Telecommunications Coverage: In some areas, telecommunications infrastructure may not be fully developed, impacting access to the system.


  • Socio-Economic Barriers: Limited access to the internet or smartphones due to financial constraints can hinder the use of NHIS.


  • Technology Familiarity: Many elderly individuals may not be accustomed to using technology, which can affect their ability to navigate the system.


Therefore, collaboration from both public and private sectors is necessary to promote and support increased access to NHIS. Additionally, families of the elderly should assist in guiding and familiarizing them with technology.


Example of Success in Developing a National Patient History Database


Singapore has also faced the challenge of a growing elderly population and an increasing number of chronic disease patients, similar to what Thailand is currently experiencing.


Singapore has established a National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) system, which allows healthcare providers at various levels to access patient information. For example, nurses in nursing homes can update the health records of elderly patients in the system, while specialists in hospitals can access this up-to-date information immediately. This enables them to adjust treatment plans as needed without requiring the patient to travel to the hospital.


Additionally, Singapore has developed a Patient Portal called HealthHub, which allows patients to view and update their own health records. To encourage Singaporeans to be more proactive in managing their health, HealthHub provides health advice and includes a database of healthcare providers and downloadable applications for health management.


This approach has received positive feedback from the public, with 90% reporting improved service quality following the implementation of the NEHR system, and 87% expressing willingness to input their personal information into the system.

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