Effects of a Caregiver Participation Enhancement Program on Caregiving Ability and Readmission Rates of Children with Pneumonia in the Pediatric Ward at Tha Bo Crown Prince Hospital

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study, employing a one-group pretest–posttest design, aimed to compare caregivers’ ability and participation in caring for children with pneumonia before and after participating in a caregiver participation enhancement program. It also examined the rate of hospital readmission within 28 days after discharge. The sample consisted of 33 primary caregivers of children aged 1 month to 5 years who were admitted to the pediatric ward of Tha Bo Crown Prince Hospital between January and July 2025. Participants were selected according to predetermined criteria. Research instruments included the Caregivers’ Ability and Participation Assessment (content validity index = 0.67 - 1.00; Cronbach’s α = 0.82) and a readmission record form. The program comprised knowledge provision, demonstration, hands-on practice, and the use of electronic learning media. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. The findings revealed that caregivers’ ability scores significantly increased from a mean of 2.34 ± 0.29 before the program to 3.62 ± 0.19 after the program (Z = 5.015, p-value < 0.001). Caregivers’ participation scores also improved significantly, rising from a mean of 2.39 ± 0.41 to 3.88 ± 0.25 (Z = 5.052, p-value < 0.001). Additionally, the readmission rate of children with pneumonia within 28 days after discharge decreased to 6.1 (2 out of 33 cases). In conclusion, the caregiver participation enhancement program effectively improved caregivers’ ability and participation in caring for children with pneumonia and contributed to reducing.