Neurology International (Jun 2015)

A real life clinical practice of neurologists in the ambulatory setting in Thailand: a pragmatic study

  • Kannikar Kongbunkiat,
  • Somsak Tiamkao,
  • Verajit Chotmongkol,
  • Piyawan Chieawthanakul,
  • Sarawut Kitcharoen,
  • Suthipun Jitpimolmard,
  • Kittisak Sawanyawisuth

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2015.5840
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1

Abstract

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The burden of neurological disorders is high in developing countries. Real life data from neurologists as to how they practice in Thailand are limited in literature. Practices of neurologists in a university hospital clinical setting in Thailand were studied. A prospective study was performed at the ambulatory neurology clinic, Khon Kaen University Hospital, between 1 February and 31 October 2009. The following data were recorded: numbers of patients, characteristics of patients, consultation notes, and time spent for each patient. There were three neurologists, each of whom ran one afternoon clinic, once a week. There were 6137 visits during the 9 months, with an average of 681 visits per month. The total number of patients was 2834. The three most common diseases were cerebrovascular diseases (33%), epilepsy (16%), and movement disorders (non-Parkinson’s disease, 12%). Neurologists spent an average of 6.34 minutes per patient. In conclusion, neurologists in medical schools have limited time to take care of each patient. Several strategies are needed in medical education and neurology training to improve the quality of care.

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