Results of the development of model for promoting the use of herbal medicine in community hospitals in the Nong Khai Provincial Health Service Network.

Abstract

      This research is a Research and Development (R&D) study aiming to examine the situation, models, development, and results of developing a model for promoting the use of herbal medicine in community hospitals within the Nong Khai Provincial Health Service Network. The sample consisted of 76 public health personnel involved in the use of herbal medicine in seven community hospitals. Data collection tools included questionnaires, data recording forms, and focus group discussion guidelines. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, and content analysis.

      The research findings revealed that: 1) Prior to model development, the seven community hospitals implemented herbal medicine promotion through meetings and administrative mechanisms at the provincial and hospital levels. However, significant problems were identified, including a lack of training for personnel in herbal medicine, a limited list of herbal medicines, a lack of clear policies, personnel's lack of understanding in recommending medicine, and the absence of a continuous monitoring and evaluation system. 2) The developed model for promoting herbal medicine comprises five key components: personnel capacity building, joint policies and indicators, service systems and access, medical supply support, and knowledge exchange. 3) The developed model was adapted to encompass six components of the health system: service systems, health workforce, work systems and data management, access to medicines and technology, health expenditure, and leadership and governance. 4) The results of the model development showed that... Public health personnel's understanding of the herbal medicine promotion model after implementation was significantly higher than before implementation at the .05 statistical significance level. The overall use of herbal medicine in the 7 districts' public health facilities increased continuously from 2.74% in fiscal year 2024 to 5.89% in fiscal year 2025 and 6.51% in fiscal year 2026, representing a total increase of 3.77%. Pho Tak district showed the highest increase, followed by Sarakai and Sangkhom districts.