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Caulis Derritis Scandense/ Derris scandens Vine

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Caulis Derritis Scandense/ Derris scandens Vine

Quality of Life of Patients Attending Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department at Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Quality of Life of Patients Attending Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department at Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital

Authors: Chalermphanaphan, Phanthita; Wongkumsin, Theerapat

Abstract: Purposes of study: (1) to assess the level of self-care behavior, social support, and quality of life of patients,(2) to compare patients’ quality of life according to personal factors, (3) to study the relationship between self-care behavior and quality of life of patients, (4) to study the relationship between social support andquality of life of patients attending Thai traditional and alternative medicine services.Materials and Methods: Subjects were consisted of 280 out-patients attending the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department at Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Prachinburi province. Data collected using questionnaires were analyzed by using a computer program package. Statistical procedures includedt-test, one-way ANOVA, multiple comparison (LSD) and Pearson’s Coefficient. Statistical significance was set at 0.05 and 0.01.Results: (1) the self-care behavior of patients was at a high level, the social support of patients was at a moderate level and the quality of life of patients was also high; (2) patients with different profiles, such as sex, age, average family income, occupation, symptoms, treatment period, and treatment mode, disclosed no differencein quality of life, while patients with different levels of education and duration of sickness had adifferent quality of life (statistical significance at 0.05); (3) self-care behaviors were positively correlated with the quality of life at 0.01; and (4) social support was correlated to the quality of life at 0.01.

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

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Authors: Limsila, Boonjai

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 obtaininformation 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 andmarketing; (4) management by a professional executive.

Status and Direction of Research on Indigenous Wisdom for Health

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Status and Direction of Research on Indigenous Wisdom for Health

Authors: Kulsomboon, Saowanee; Adthasit, Rujinart

Abstract: Indigenous or local wisdom for health (LWH) is a cultural aspect for health care and treatment among multi-ethnic groups in Thai society. LWH is the art and science crystallized from observation, application, selection, filtration, and accumulation from previous to current generations. LWH reflects the thinking system,belief, and means to take care of life and health based on Eastern ways. LWH is a simple and appropriate technology. It enables Thai people to access, utilize and rely on themselves. The objectives of this research are (1) to summarize and analyze the status of research on LWH during the period from 1992 to 2004 and (2) to synthesize the overall situation and propose the direction of future research into LWH. Documentary research during the period from 1992 to 2004 were used. There are three categories including (1) research on LWH related to folk culture, (2) research on LWH related to secular folk, and (3) research on LWH related to religious and healing rites. The study found that there were 155 items in the literature related to LWH classified in relation to: (a) folk culture (38), (b) secular folk (79), and (c) religious and healing rites (38). The majority of the literature comprised qualitative research, followed by survey research, experimental research, and action research. Most studies are dissertations, theses and research from educational institutes. Knowledge of the social sciences is mainly used for conducting research. It was also found that, during the last 10 years, medical anthropology and medical ethnography were frequently used for such studies.Overall, there is a limited number of items in the LWH literature; the research in this area lacks a framework and research direction; morever, the extent of study is not well defined. There is also no supporting system for LWH research and a lack of mechanisms for knowledge management to benefit from research to be used in policy or operational levels. The recommendation related to future LWH research is to establish an effective support system, a mechanism to utilize research, and a way to communicate the research results on LWH to the public. Research on LWH should start with medical anthropology and medical ethnography followed by other research fields which can be studied in parallel, or further exploration is needed to gain more knowledge and understanding about LWH in several dimensions. The integration of research and development on LWH will help assist the utilization of research results at the policy and operational levels.