Development of integrative cannabis clinic for medicine in Phon Hospital, Khon Kaen

Abstract

This research aimed to study and develop the service in medical cannabis clinic integrating conventional medicine and Thai traditional medicine of Phon Hospital in Khon Kaen Province; and aimed to investigate the outcomes of implementing such a model, as well as facilitating public access to medical treatment with appropriate and safe cannabis extracts. The research applied systems theory and employed the Continuous Improvement Cycle (CIC) framework, divided into four parts: (1) situation analysis, (2) problem synthesis and proposal, (3) development the service, and (4) study of development outcomes. The targeted groups included a multidisciplinary team of 12 professionals and 42 clients. The research duration spanned from January to December 2021. Results of the model development process included: (1) designing a healthcare service system, improving clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), and supporting self-health management knowledge for continuous care; (2) establishing a comprehensive health database system linking patient health data with Ministry of Public Health databases and primary healthcare service databases; (3) decision support through care management guidelines and skill development in clinic services, fostering communication networks with consulting teams via the Line app.; (4) self-management support and community linkage services; and (5) following the implementation of the developed model. It was found that the life quality assessment of patients as average in EQ-5D-5L and VAS scores increased from 67.6 to 84.81 points especially on body movement (93.8%). Parkinson’s patients experienced reduced pain and stiffness, and patients’ absence on cure monitoring lower to 20.4% of all service recipients. Rapid detection of adverse drug reactions within one week of medication usage was achieved. Overall satisfaction rating was at averaging high (Mean=4.46, SD=0.28). Thus, an integration between Thai traditional medicine and conventional medicine, particularly in palliative care, enhanced efficiency and quality of life for patients unresponsive to conventional medicine.