Abstract:
The workers of the textile industry are at risk of occupational diseases.
Nursing units in factories have been established o provide health care services to
employees in the workplace. The objective of this research was to study the current
situation of a nursing unit in a factory, as related to structure, practice process, and
outputs. A qualitative design was used. The sample consisted of 4 textile factories
in Bangkok with different types of nurses. The data were collected from June to
November 2001, and analyzed by using content analysis induction technique.
Results showed that the studied factories did not have an employee health
care policy. The location of the nursing units was not suitable. There was no
philosophy, objectives or budget planning of nursing units. The ratio of nurses to
employees was not in accordance with the legal requirement. The health services
mostly emphasized primary medical care, first aid, and referring services, without
the provision of health promotion and prevention services. Instrument and medical
supplies were enough for the services provided. There was no documentation
regarding inspection of the quality of nursing service and activities. Executives,
workers, and nurses recognized the importance and advantages of a nursing unit.
The nursing units had been required by law, but were incomplete due to limited
time. The health care services performed only emergency cases, and nurse status
was as an employee. Moreover, nursing units had benefits for small groups of
employees. The problems of a nursing unit were lack of nurses, budget and
academic support from the government. The study indicated that nurses who work
in a factory should develop knowledge about occupational health and standard of
nursing units. Moreover, budget and support for service development should be
improved.