Satisfaction of the Rehabilitation Stroke Patients on the Services of Homeopathy as an Alternative Medicine at Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

Stroke patients always have a physical disability. Homeopathy is one of the alternative medicine that patients can choose to rehabilitate their physical and mental symptoms together with allopathy. Researchers are interested in the characteristic and satisfaction of stroke patients on the services of homeopathy as an alternative medicine at Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani. Methods: This study used a mixed methods approach through a quantitative analysis of a satisfaction survey and a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with stakeholders. The researchers collected data from the stroke patients who were admitted to the homeopathic clinic in Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital at least one time by purposive sampling. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: Eighteen patients who attended the homeopathic clinic were mostly male (61.11%) between the ages of 60-69 years (33.33%), 40-49 years (33.33%) and had hypertension (88.89%). The most frequently prescribed homeopathic remedy was Stramonium (27.78%) and most patients were treated by homeopathy after diagnosis of stroke for less than 6 months (44.44%). Regarding satisfaction, most patients rated being satisfied or very satisfied with the service at the homeopathic clinic. The mean (±SD) of overall patient satisfaction score was 4.43 (±0.20). Eleven patients and their relatives were in-depth interviewed. From the interview, all patients knew the homeopathy from the advice of the physician working at Thai and traditional medicine clinic at Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital. The main reason that patients decided to attend the homeopathic clinic was taking the opportunity to try a new alternative treatment. Some patients (20.00%) have not clearly understood the principle and protocol of homeopathic treatment. As the results of homeopathic treatment, all patients were mentally improved with the better mood, not discourage and less depress. The patients showed eye contact and more interested in the environment surrounded. The information was from patients and their caregivers. Some patients were both mentally and physically improved e.g., more ability to move and take care of themselves, more tolerate against the physical forces, more effective in communication and answering the questions. Conclusion: Most patients had hypertension and were treated by homeopathy after diagnosis of stroke for less than or equal to 6 months. The most frequently prescribed homeopathic remedy was Stramonium. Regarding satisfaction, most patients rated being satisfied or very satisfied with the service at the homeopathic clinic. Most patients rated being satisfied or very satisfied in all domains with the service at the homeopathic clinic.