THE VALUE ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF RESEARCH PROJECTS ON THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE AND HERBS

Abstract

This study aims to analyze and assess the value of research projects on Thai traditional medical knowledge and herbs during the year 2017-2021 which received funding for research and development of Thai traditional medicine knowledge, under the action plan of the Thai Traditional Medicine Knowledge Fund.  The study collected data and defined analysis issues and assessed the value and impact resulting from the academic and commercial utilization based on the data sources, including progress reports on the project, according to the funding agreement, complete reports, and the summary of academic presentations at the National Herbal Expo. The analysis and evaluation of the project were conducted using the CIPP Model, which consists of four dimensions: Context Evaluation, Input Evaluation, Process Evaluation, and Product Evaluation. The study of 80 completed projects  The research found that: revealed that regarding the Context Evaluation, 40% of all projects ‘principles and reasons for researching Thai traditional medicine and herbal medicine knowledge received approval in 2020 (B.E.2563), and 21.25% received approval in 2019 (B.E.2562). According to the Input Evaluation, it was found that 75% of project leaders were university-affiliated personnel involved in teaching and had experience in Thai traditional medicine and herbal medicine. The remaining 25% were affiliated with government agencies. The projects were implemented within a one-year timeframe (88.75%) and utilized the allocated budget in alignment with the defined activities. In terms of the Process Evaluation, it was found that during the years 2019-2020 (B.E.2562-2563), adjustments had to be made to the work format to achieve successful outcomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. According to the Product Evaluation, it was found that there were 46.25% of the research formats of herbal medicine preparations, 35% of single herb research, and 18.75% of other forms of procedure research. Preliminary results show that the data obtained can be utilized for academic purposes, such as developing new indications based on the knowledge of Thai traditional medicine and herbal medicine. For example, products like "Ya Hom Nawa Kot" (memory enhancement) and "Ya Pluk Fai Dhatu" (lactation support) have potential academic value. Moreover, the commercial benefits derived from this include the development of usable formats, such as chewable pellets for “Ya Dhatu Ob-choey (cinnamon tonic)”, and the provision of data to support the management of emerging diseases, such as "Ya Fa Thalai Jone" for anti-COVID-19.  These efforts can yield positive outcomes in terms of promoting, treating, and rehabilitating the health of the population, replacing medication shortages, reducing the importation of drugs from foreign countries, and generating economic value by enhancing the country's self-reliant herbal products.