How Nurses in Nursing Community Clinics Enhance Client Care Under Thailand's Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS): A Qualitative Research

OBJECTIVE: To explore how nurses in Thailand's Nursing Community Clinics (NCCs) enhance client care within the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS). DESIGN: A qualitative study was employed. SAMPLE: Participants were purposively recruited from 254 NCCs across Thailand. Of the 28 NCCs that met the inclusion criteria, 12 participants were recruited, achieving data saturation. MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected from January to February 2024 through individual semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis, guided by the scope of services and relevant literature, identified key themes. Trustworthiness was ensured using Guba and Lincoln's criteria. RESULTS: Three themes emerged. First, nurses enhanced access to care by strategically locating clinics and providing free services, reducing financial and transportation barriers for vulnerable populations. Second, personalised education and self-management support improved patient outcomes and quality of life. Third, effective interdisciplinary collaboration ensured seamless care coordination. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the critical role of nurses in improving healthcare access and health equity within the Universal Coverage Scheme. The findings have direct implications for public health nursing, as community-based nurses serve as essential first-contact providers for underserved populations. Nursing councils should develop specialised courses and expand the scope of practice for public health nurses to strengthen primary healthcare delivery.