The demand for otolaryngological manpower : a case study in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study examines the demand for Ear, Nose and Throat doctors and substitution personnel in Nakhon Nayok province, Thailand, based on the referral system. A field survey was conducted to test a model for estimating this demand.

Based upon the results of this study, it is concluded that:

1) Though most people are correctly diagnosed there is red tape in getting health services from government facilities. Therefore, they prefer medicine from drug stores or packaged drugs for self-treatment.

2) Otolaryngological diseases are not serious but they require several visits a year to a physician.

3) It was estimated that 84 otolaryngologists were needed, or a team to care for otolaryngological patients in Nakhon Nayok that should comprise 2 otolaryngologists, 11 general physicians, 64 nurses, and 630 village health volunteers. In this case 84 otolaryngologists can be substituted by 2 otolayngologists, 11 general physicians, 64 nurses and 630 village health volunteers. Thus, we would place 2 otolaryngologists in the provincial hospital, 5 or 6 general physicians at each district hospital, approximately 1 nurse at each of the subdistrict health stations and 1 or 2 village health volunteers for each village.