Current Issues in Evaluating Health Promotion Programme Using Traditional Korean Medicine in Korea

Abstract

Purpose:The aim of this study is to identify current situation and issues of outcome measures to evaluate the public health programs using traditional medicine by public health centers in Korea. Method:This study analyse and review existing data and documents related to traditional Korean medicine and health policy using contents analysis method. To collect the information on outcome measures evaluating the programmes, this study reviewed annual reports for health promotion programmes using traditional Korean medicine(HP-TKM) of Hub public health centers, as pilot public health centers, which have implemented the health promotion programmes collectively. Additionally, the review included research articles, government documents and book chapters on the topics related assessments in health promotion. Results:HP-TKM are stroke prevention education, smoke free program, health promotion according to Four Constitutional Medicine, home visiting treatment, etc. However, there are only a few studies of traditional medicine focused health promotion evaluation strategies. The benefits of health promotion programs using TKM can be categorized as non-health benefit, physiological, psychological and physical effects. To manage and monitor the intervention programmes efficiently, attention should be given to developing relevant and valid outcome measures for evaluating the programmes by government and public health center. Conclusion:Up to now, considering number of researchers, research projects undertaken or published articles and reports, within traditional Korean medicine there is a lack of capacity in research. Thus, government should pay more attention to developing relevant and valid outcome measures for evaluating the programs.