Essential Factors in the Successful Management of an Alternative Medicine Service in the Damnoernsaduak Hospital, Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that confer success on alternative
medicine services.
Methodology: The study was carried out in the period from December 2005 to May 2006 to obtain
information from 15 executives and personnel, and 100 patients treated on aspects of: (1) leadership,
(2) administration, i.e., teamwork, service provision, and service expense, (3) facility of service, i.e., place,
workers, and budget, (4) tourist resources, (5) budget support from central and provincial levels, and
(6) client satisfaction. The data were obtained by in-depth interviews of 15 workers and questionnaires of
satisfaction from 100 patients. Data analysis was quantitative verification, with mean values and their standard
deviations.
Results: The study disclosed that the success of alternative medicine services was due principally to:
(1) leadership with vision for the improvement of health care according to informal administration policy;
(2) the management pattern showing efficient teamwork and systematic service; (3) proper hospital facility,
i.e., place, personnel, and financial support; (4) taking the role of being a tourist resource. In addition, the
minor factors involved (1) financial support from central and provincial resources; (2) firm and sustained
policies to develop and place alternative medicine into government health service; (3) good information and
marketing; (4) management by a professional executive.