March 21, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. – Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jirawutthipong, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Pisek Lumbhikanon, M.D.; Assoc. Prof. Wimonrat Srirach, M.D., Vice Dean for Research and International Relation, joined in meeting the press to release news about the success in being the leader in synthetic research and in bringing reliable information to treat patients. This will also lead to building of researchers in Thailand and abroad. The successful team of doctors includes Assoc. Prof. Wimonrat Srirach, M.D., Vice Dean for Research and International Relation; Prof. Boonpan Boonmak, M.D., from the Department of Anesthesiology; and Assoc. Prof. Chettha Ngamjaras, M.D., Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Faculty of Public Health; who joined in the press conference, which took place at Nong Waeng Audiorium, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jirawutthipong, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine first talked about the success in being the leader in synthetic research, production, and use of reliable information to treat patients and build researchers in Thailand and abroad. The Faculty of Medicine sees the importance of “Evidence Based Medicine (EBM)” that chooses the treatment method from “evidence” obtained from research work. This is the science that is very close to health technology assessment and is connected to many fields. The program of the Faculty of Medicine also incorporates this matter. Up to now, there have been collaborations with international organizations for over 20 years to carry out synthetic research in the country and also in Asia.
“Synthetic research is the research just emerged in Thailand around 20 years ago. It involves the use of existing information to manage synthetic research and carry out more research with the accurate methodology with adequate sample size at the international level. Such information can save lives of million people and so benefits patients, medical students, academic services and future research. The results from synthetic research enable us to select the treatment method that matches and benefits the patient most. Nevertheless, we have to admit that management of synthetic research requires a lot of information, which is now still insufficient. In the past, we did not have data-management scientists, but now, Khon Kaen University has this group of experts who can help analyze information that exists in large amount in faculties or in the administration system of any organization. The synthetic researchers can help doctors to compile information and analyze the operational problem that necessitates specific tools for the work,” said Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jirawutthipong.
Over 20 years that Prof. Pisek Lumbhikanon, M.D. and his team founded the Thai Cochrane Network in the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. The center finally was appointed as the collaborative center of the World Health Organization to synthesize research in reproductive health and as the WHO HRP Alliance HUB Cochrane Thailand. The strength of the Center is to work with representatives of Cochrane all over the world. The Cochrane research bases are used to set policies and practices related to health. There have been over 1,000 translated abstracts and conclusions of Cochrane Review, which are useful for access to health care. The center has been supported by Khon Kaen University, the National Research Fund and the World Health Organization.
Prof. Pisek Lumbhikanon said, “At present, synthetic research is being carried out with multiple institutions, for collaboration with many sectors leads to much clearer information. For example, in caring a pregnant woman, there are many issues for data compilation such as the caring patterns, delivery using vacuum suction that normally requires 20 minutes, but the information indicates only one-minute length of time that also results in safety. When there is synthetic research information, doctors are able to use this knowledge from compilation of synthetic research information.”
“Nowadays, there is research work in medicine that requires cooperation from researchers in different fields in order to increase the survival rate of the patients and the rate of recovery, as well as to increase the knowledge and expertise of medical students, research and academic services. There has been collaboration from different faculties in Khon Kaen University and outside. It is believed that in the future, a lot of cooperation will be obtained,” said Prof. Pisek Lumbhikanon.
Assoc. Prof. Wimonrat Srirach, M.D., Vice Dean for Research and International Relation, added, “The research section has supported EBM in parallel with development of medical professionals, by emphasizing doctors to select good and appropriate treatment methods for the patients. This is done by using the most reliable evidences. If this is incorporated in the health policy where Thai people have access to, then the benefits will reach all Thai people. The evidence-based medicine will be the approach for locating the best and most appropriate treatment method for both patients and doctors.”
News / Photos: Watchara Noichompoo
