Physical therapy workforce shortage for aging and aged societies in Thailand
Kraiwong, R.; Vongsirinavarat, M.; Soonthorndhada, K.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 97 Suppl. 7: S101-S106
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 25141537 Document Number: 14064
According to demographic changes, the size of the aging population has rapidly increased. Thailand has been facing the "aging society" since 2005 and the "aged society" has been projected to appear by the year 2025. Increased life expectancy is associated with health problems and risks, specifically chronic diseases and disability. Aging and aged societies and related specific conditions as stroke require the provision of services from health professionals. The shortage of the physical therapy workforce in Thailand has been reported. This study investigated the size of physical therapy workforce required for the approaching aging society of Thailand and estimated the number of needed physical therapists, specifically regarding stroke condition. Evidently, the issue of the physical therapy workforce to serve aging and aged societies in Thailand requires advocating and careful arranging.