การวิเคราะห์สถานการณ์และข้อเสนอเชิงนโยบายเพื่อพัฒนาระบบความก้าวหน้าในวิชาชีพของนักกายภาพบำบัดในสถานพยาบาลภาครัฐ กระทรวงสาธารณสุข

Watcharin  Tayati; Santipap Pueng-am; Monticha Muang-ngoen

Authors

Watcharin Tayati Physical Therapy Unit, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Trang Hospital; Subcommittee on Competency Promotion for Career Advancement of Physical Therapists in Public Hospitals, Physical Therapy Council
Santipap Pueng-am Physical Therapy Unit, Wang Nam Khiao Hospital; Subcommittee on Competency Promotion for Career Advancement of Physical Therapists in Public Hospitals, Physical Therapy Council
Monticha Muang-ngoen Physical Therapy Unit, Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute; Subcommittee on Competency Promotion for Career Advancement of Physical Therapists in Public Hospitals, Physical Therapy Council

Keywords:

physical therapy, position allocation, competency, health policy

Abstract

Background: The career advancement system for physical therapists in public health facilities is currently constrained by the limited positions of senior professional levels and unequal distribution. Such structural limitations have resulted in reduced motivation and restricted professional development.

Objectives: To analyze current situations and barriers in the career advancement system, to study impacts on professional development, and to develop policy recommendations.

Methods: A mixed-methods study first collected quantitative data from 363 physical therapists through stratified random sampling; and qualitative data from 40 in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, significant difference and Spearman’s rank correlation tests.

Results: Imbalance in position distribution was found, with community hospitals having only 1.8% of senior specialist positions compared to 12.3% in tertiary hospitals (p<0.001). Main problems included limited positions (94.7%) and concentration in large hospitals (91.1%). Personal factors were significantly associated with motivation for self-development toward career advancement. Routine workload showed a negative correlation with motivation (rho = –0.1141, p < 0.05), and family responsibilities demonstrated a negative correlation as well (rho = –0.1645, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The current system creates inequity and impacts professional development. Recommendations include restructuring position distribution, developing context-appropriate evaluation criteria, and creating alternative career pathways.

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