THE EFFECTIVENESS AND SATISFACTION OF THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICINE SERVICES AT THE THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICINE CLINIC, WANG SUAN SUNANDHA HOTEL, SUAN SUNANDHA RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and satisfaction of Thai traditional medicine services in the Thai Traditional Medicine Clinic at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. Specifically, the study had the following objectives: (1) to examine personal factors and service use behavior of Thai traditional medicine services, (2) to investigate the effectiveness and satisfaction from receiving treatment and providing Thai traditional medicine services, and (3) to explore suggestions for utilizing Thai traditional medicine services. The sample population comprised of 30 patients who had either received treatment or utilized Thai traditional medical services at the Thai Traditional Medicine Clinic, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. Online questionnaires were employed as the primary data collection tool in this study. The study findings indicated that the following factors were most satisfying to the participants in descending order: (1) Appropriateness of dress worn by doctors and staff, with 14 participants expressing their satisfaction; (2) cleanliness and safety of the facilities, with 13 participants expressing their satisfaction; (3) cleanliness of the clinic and medical equipment, with 12 participants expressing their satisfaction; (4) reasonableness of the medical fees, with 9 participants expressing their satisfaction; (5) provision of advice from doctors and staff, with 8 participants expressing their satisfaction; (6) appropriateness of the welcome behavior from the staff, with 7 participants expressing their satisfaction; (7) the competence of the physician in treating patients, with 6 participants expressing their satisfaction; (8) efficiency of physicians in treating patients, with 6 participants expressing their satisfaction; (9) waiting time for doctors and staff to receive services, with 5 participants expressing their satisfaction; and (10) convenience in traveling for service, with 4 participants expressing their satisfaction. Based on the study findings, the following policy recommendations are suggested: (1) Thai traditional medicine clinics should prepare travel maps and offer comprehensive information on public transportation options to enhance accessibility for patients; (2) Thai traditional medicine clinics should streamline service procedures to reduce waiting times and enhance the overall efficiency of services provided; and (3) Thai traditional medicine clinics should re-evaluate service rates to ensure they are appropriate and reasonable for patients.