Abstract
Efficiency in clinical practice has become of increasing concern in the healthcare system in Thailand.
Cost-effectiveness analysis is a concept that helps in the efficient allocation of healthcare resources; however,
evidence showing the use of the cost-effectiveness (CE) information in clinical practice in Thailand is
limited. The aim of this study is to assess physicians’ attitudes towards the use of CE information in
clinical practice.
A cross-sectional survey was carried out to collect information from 140 physicians at Suratthani
Hospital, a central hospital in Southern Thailand, during 12-26 March 2012. The questionnaire consisted
of 3 main parts: physicians’ attitudes, obstacles in the use of CE in clinical practice, and sources of CE
information.
The results showed that the sample response rate was 52.1%. Concerning physicians’ attitudes, 68.5%
of physicians agreed that it is appropriate to consider CE information in the clinical decision-making
process. 76.7% of physicians agreed that cost containment in current healthcare system is necessary. The
main obstacles in the use of CE in clinical decisions are: 1) unwillingness to accept that healthcare resources
are limited by the public; and 2) social expectation for medical services exceeding the capacity of
public health system. Results pertaining to the source of CE information showed that 96% of physicians
attributed CE results to clinical practice guidelines. In addition, CE information from the same source
gains more attention from physicians when presented verbally rather than in written form.
Increasing the use of CE information in clinical decision-making is one way to improve efficiency in
resource allocation in the healthcare system. Findings from this study can be used to inform policies that
promote more efficient utilization of healthcare resources.
