The Development of Medical Record Education in Thailand

Abstract

This article reviews the development of medical record education management in Thailand and reflects future trends in curriculum development. It outlines changes in medical record education from the past to the present, consistent with the development of medical record practices, national health workforce planning, and higher education quality. Medical record education in Thailand began in 1972, when the Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, developed a curriculum accredited by the Office of the Civil Service Commission. The first program was initiated in 1975 at the School of Medical Statistics, National Cancer Institute. In 1991, the first bachelor’s degree program in medical records was established at Mahidol University. In 2012, the Bachelor of Public Health Program in Medical Records was introduced as the first program under the Ministry of Public Health and administered by the Kanchanabhisek Institute of Medical and Public Health Technology, Praboromarajchanok Institute. In the same year, Mahidol University revised its curriculum into a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Currently, Thailand offers four programs in medical records: three bachelor’s degree programs at Praboromarajchanok Institute, Mahidol University, and Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, and one sub-bachelor’s degree program, the Higher Vocational Certificate in Medical Records at Praboromarajchanok Institute. The article indicates that changes in organizational structures, health service systems, emerging diseases, and digital transformation have influenced the roles and expectations of medical record personnel. Therefore, future curriculum development should focus on strengthening competencies in medical record systems, medical and public health knowledge, medical reimbursement, medical coding, data management, and data analysis to ensure standardized and effective services.