Koreans' Experience at Health Facilities in Thailand

한국인의 태국 의료기관 이용 경험

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify experiences when Koreans who reside in Thailand visit Thai health facilities. Methods: The data were collected via direct interview from 36 Korean residents of Thailand. Collected data were analyzed by content analysis. Result: 1) 162 content analysis data were collected from the participants' statements. These data were categorized into 70 attributes and 9 higher attributes. 2) Out of the 70 attributes, the 3 attributes which were most commonly mentioned by the participants were the following: medical expense for foreigners were expensive(66.7%), difficulties in communication with health care providers(36.1%), kindness of nurses(33.3%). 3) The 9 higher attributes were 1) high medical expense to foreigner, 2) difficulties in communication, 3) distrust about medical service, 4) excessive prescription in oral medicine, 5) kindness, 6) good service, 7) difference in medical environment according hospital type, 8) irrational process in medical treatment for out patients, 9) cultural difference in postpartum care. Conclusion: When Korean residents in Thailand use Thailand health facilities, they experience high medical expense, difficulties in communication, low quality in medical service and kindness of the medical staff.