Development of Thai Traditional Medical Services Management Model, Suphanburi Province

Abstract

The purpose of this action research was to find the appropriate model for the management of Thai traditional medicine services in Suphanburi province. It was conducted duirng the period from October 2015 to December 2017. Quantitative data were collected from interviews with primary care physicians in Thai traditional medicine; and qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 hospital administrators and 30 Thai traditional medicine recipients, as well as from a brainstorming session with 25 Thai traditional medicine providers and related persons. The study was divided into 4 phases: (1) a study of the problems, needs, and factors affecting Thai traditional medicine services; (2) development of a management model of Thai traditional health care services according to the WHO health system concept; (3) testing and modification of the model; and (4) implemeting and evaluating the model. The results showed that most administrators did not have clear policies and guidedance on Thai traditional medicine. Most traditional medicine practitioners were lacking of expertise in Thai medicine. Most recipients of Thai traditional therapy required good results from skilled and specialized providers, and affordable herbal medicine. After applying the management model of Thai traditional medicine services which was developed through the improvement of WHO health system compoenets including provision of health services, improved health workforce, health infomation system, accessibilityto essential medicines, financing, leadership and governance, the participating hospitals had improved performance and were able to upgrade their standards. The percentage of outpatients receiving Thai traditional medicine had increased; and patients had expressed significantly higher satisfaction on the services (p<0.0001).