Abstract
This mixed methods research study of workforce situation for Thai traditional medicine (TTM) in state-run health-care facilities, the production of TTM workforce in educational institutions, and TTM workforce planning for future workforce development involved a survey, focus group discussions, and workforce demand forecast using the heath demand method. All activities were involved with the multi-disciplinary and the service providers working groups from November 2015–October 2016. The results revealed that across the country there were 11,279 TTM personnel, including 2,692 TTM and applied TTM practitioners, and 8,597 TTM assistants in 2016. TTM workforce demand forecast for three levels of health services, based on the workload, showed that in 2026 there will be demand for 13,275–16,534 TTM practitioners and 14,714–18,509 TTM assistants. That will result in the service provider to population ratios of 1 : 4,015–5,000 for TTM practitioners and 1 : 3,586–4,511 for TTM assistants. Regarding the workforce production capacity at all 27 TTM educational institutions, (until 2016) 11,034 students had been admitted to the program, of whom 4,502 were studying in 2016, and 6,532 had been graduated cumulatively. According to the production plan, beginning in 2017 there will be 1,080 new TTM graduates each year, making a cumulative total of 19,080 graduates in 2026. In conclusion, currently there are shortages of 10,583–13,842 TTM practitioners and 6,127–9,922 TTM assistants. In the next 10 years, the ratio of TTM practitioner to population will be 1 : 4,454 and that for TTM assistants will be 1 : 3,996. As for workforce production in 27 institutions, there will be cumulatively 19,080 TTM graduates by 2026, resulting in a surplus of 2,546–5,805, compared with demand
