Improvement of the Health Establishments for Health Massages, Massages for Esthetic Purposes and Spas in Phatthalung to Meet the Legal Standard

Abstract

Objective: This study was comprised of 2 sub-studies.Objective of the first study was to determine the restrictions leading the owners of health establishments (HEs) in Patthalung province not to apply for the licenses. The objective of the second study was to motivate entrepreneurs to improve their HEs to meet the legal standard. Methods: The first study was a cross-sectional survey in 20 entrepreneurs of HE in Patthalung province on the restrictions leading them not to apply for licenses. The study also measured knowledge on license application among the entrepreneurs, preliminarily assessed HEs according to the criteria for evaluating HE standard. The study also interviewed the consumers on how they chose HEs. In the second study, the meeting was held to educate and motivate the entrepreneurs to participate in the HE improvement project. Later, the researcher inspected HEs and provided suggestions for HE improvement in order to meet the legal standard. Subjects in the second study were 13 participating establishments with potentials to meet the legal standard. Results: The reasons for not applying for HE license given by most entrepreneurs were lack of knowledge on premise improvement in order to meet the legal standard (17 cases), followed by being unable to improve HEs to meet the legal standard because the establishments were rented in a short term and permission from landlords was required in case of installments of equipment. This reasons led the HE owners to be reluctant in investment because long term rental contract was not guaranteed after premise improvement. Another reason for not applying for HE license was consumers never checking for HE licenses because they did not know that HEs were legally required to get license (11 cases). Entrepreneurs had general knowledge scores on HEs, knowledge on related law and relevant standard at 17.90±2.55 out of 25. The inspection of HEs showed that all HEs in this research did not meet the legal standard. Researcher was able to improve 9 HEs (out of 13 participating in this project) to pass legal requirements. Key success factors for successful HE improvement were the intention of entrepreneurs towards filing for legal licences, knowledge and provision of suggestions from authorities. Conclusion: HE failed to meet the legal standard.Assessment of HEs helps entrepreneurs truly gain knowledge on how to improve their HEs.In addition, attitudes of consumers affect entrepreneurs’ willingness to apply for HE license. Therefore, government agency should inform consumers how to identify HEs that meet the legal standard.