The Integration of Thai Traditional Medicine into the Health Service System at Tertiary Care Level in the 12th Area of Health Service

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to study the management approach to developing Thai traditional medicine in the public health services, and to study the integration of Thai traditional medicine into the health service system at Tertiary Care Level. Research instruments were questionnaire, and semi-structural interview. Content validity of the instruments was validated by 3 experts (IOC=0.8). Sample was 39 personnel who were responsible for Thai traditional medicine clinics from 9 regional hospitals and general hospitals. Statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, and content analysis. The results of this research revealed as follows.

1. Management approaches for the effective development of Thai traditional medicine into the health service systems at tertiary level in regional hospitals / general hospitals in the 12^th health service area included 5 aspects: 1) service system consisting of 4 dimensions (treatment, health promotion, and disease prevention), 2) herbal medicine system, 3) structured system, 4) personnel development, and 5) budget allocation.

2. The integration model of Thai traditional medicine into health service system at tertiary level in the regional hospital / general hospital in the 12th area of health service should focus on the combination of traditional Thai medicine into the public health service system. So the parallel OPD clinic should be adjacent to the OPD examination room, and connected by a referral system. In addition, disease or conditions must be clearly set for the use of both Thai traditional medicine and modern medicine.