Objectives: The goal of this study was to explore complementary medicine application with a focus on Thai traditional medicine and western medicine with patients at Maeon Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand. This study will also determine individual perceptions and preferences of patients in seeking medical advice and treatment. It will also identify factors that influence patients’ choice of medical treatment for local pains.
Methods: An individual in-depth interview was conducted with each patient at the treatment site after receiving Thai traditional medicine (Thai massage and herbal steam bath). The questionnaire evaluated preference of treatment, perception before and after treatment and factors that influenced in deciding which treatment to use in treating their local pains.
Results: According to the data collected through interviews, a number of Maeon Hospital patients with local pain symptoms (back pain, neck pain, shoulder and arm pain) show that after resorting to Thai traditional medicine treatment while taking medical pills have discontinued use of prescribed pain medications. Some of the factors that influence patients’ choice of treatment are based on previous experiences of other patients.
Conclusions: Complementary medicine is useful in treating local pains. It is important that patients feel like they have an alternate route in seeking medical advice. Further research on the effectiveness of complementary medicine; Thai traditional medicine and western medicine must be explored in order to achieve medical advancement and promote traditional medicine as an alternative method.
Learner objectives: -Promote alternative medicine research. -Develop and enhance health policy through research findings. -Promote health education and promotion.