title: A Real Life Clinical Practice of Neurologists in the Ambulatory Setting in Thailand: A Pragmatic Study.
abstract: 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.
authors: Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen University , Thailand.
authors: Kannikar
authors: K
authors: Kongbunkiat
authors: Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen University , Thailand ; North-Eastern Stroke Research Group, Khon Kaen University , Thailand.
authors: Somsak
authors: S
authors: Tiamkao
authors: Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen University , Thailand.
authors: Verajit
authors: V
authors: Chotmongkol
authors: Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen Hospital , Thailand.
authors: Piyawan
authors: P
authors: Chieawthanakul
authors: Department of Brain, Bangkok Hospital , Rayong , Thailand.
authors: Sarawut
authors: S
authors: Kitcharoen
authors: Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen University , Thailand.
authors: Suthipun
authors: S
authors: Jitpimolmard
authors: Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen University , Thailand ; Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Khon Kaen University , Thailand.
authors: Kittisak
authors: K
authors: Sawanyawisuth
keywords: Ambulatory; clinical practice; neurological disorders; outpatient; pragmatic study