Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to develop an appropriate model of attending to and curing patients who are suffering from the hepatitis B virus by using traditional Thai medicine. This is a qualitative investigation of documents and field data about the conventional and non-conventional treatment of hepatitis B patients. Data collection methods were participatory observation, non-participatory observation, interviews, focus group discussions, and workshops. The study area was purposively selected and was composed of two hospitals, two traditional Thai healthcare clinics and two traditional Thai medicine practices. The results show that at each location, diagnoses are based on patient histories and observations of mental and physical symptoms. Hospitals tend to integrate the use of traditional Thai medicine together with modern medicine, while traditional Thai healthcare clinics concentrate mainly on traditional Thai medicine but provide opportunities for scientific and technological knowledge to be applied in the healthcare process. However, the traditional medical practices concentrate mainly on curing through customs or traditional practices, using antiquated scriptures and methods. The study also found that the quality of healthcare depends on four significant factors: personnel management, location management, equipment management and financial management. It was found that the traditional healthcare programs lack several significant elements: efficient personnel, strong administrative support from the government and adequate financial support. Therefore, development of a healthcare process model for hepatitis B patients through traditional Thai medicine is valuable for helping to cure patient sickness, transmit traditional Thai knowledge and reduce the expense of healthcare in the country.