Problems and Suggestions for Substituting Modern Medications with Herbal Medicines in Public Hospitals: A Pilot Study from the Perspective of Health Professionals at Community Hospitals in the Northeast

Abstract

Objective: To collect problems and suggestions for substituting modern medications with herbal medicines in public hospitals from the perspective of health professionals of community hospitals in the Northeast. Methods: This research was a qualitative study. The informants were 30 health professionals in public hospitals located in Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Roi Et, consisting of 10 each doctors and professional nurses, 5 each pharmacists and Thai traditional medicine practitioners. The data was collected using in-depth interviews based on semi-structured questions to collect problems and suggestions for substituting modern medications with herbal medicines in public hospitals. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis based on a management framework: man, money, materials or products and management and policies, and also drug users. Results: The most common human resource problem was the lack of knowledge on herbal medicines. The suggestion of the informant to the problem was to organize a training on herbal medicines. In terms of budget, the most common problem was higher cost of herbal drugs per treatment compared to that of modern medications.  In terms of materials, the problem was that herbal drugs had an unattractive appearance for use. Therefore, the improvement of their appearance to be more attractive to use was needed. In terms of management and policy, the problem was that the administrators did not realize the importance of substituting modern medications with herbal medicines. The suggestion was the Ministry of public health should motivate the administrators to be more focused on this issue. Informants were of the view that patients did not trust herbal medicine. Therefore, the effectiveness of herbal medicines should be provided to the public. Conclusion: The problem and suggestion of substituting traditional medications with herbal medicines from the viewpoint of the key health providers was in area of personnel. Therefore, more knowledge, attitudes and confidence in herbal medicines should be promoted to medical personnel. In terms of budget, the reduction of the cost of herbal medicines is warrant.