Abstract
Objectives : This study was performed to compare consciousness of doctors on cooperative practices of western medicine and traditional Korean medicine, and to provide policy implication for development of cooperative practices. Methods : The structured questionnaires were mailed to 132 doctors working in non-cooperative practicing university hospital and 77 doctors working in cooperative practicing hospitals in Busan metropolitan city. The response rate was 40.2% and 40.3% respectively. This survey was performed from 10 Oct. 2008 to 31 Oct. 2008. Results : The doctors working in general hospital had comparatively negative consciousness on basic concept, value and necessity for cooperative practices and traditional Korean medicine. In regards with disease treatment's effectiveness of cooperative practices, both groups evaluated musculoskeletal and immune disease were more effective than others. There were positive relationships between perception for cost-effectiveness and consciousness on intention to participate cooperative practices(p<0.05). Also doctors who experienced traditional medicine treatment had positive consciousness on cooperative practices(p=0.05). Conclusions : To activate cooperative practices of western medicine and traditional Korean medicine, some efforts should be carried out. These include promoting cooperative education programs in medical schools and traditional Korean medical schools, doing research on cost-effectiveness of cooperative practices, and trying to minimize legal and systemic restrictions for cooperative practices.