International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

An investigation Into Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospitals in China: Development Trend and Medical Service Innovation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Liang Wang 1
Sizhuo Suo 1
Jian Li 2
Yuanjia Hu 1
Peng Li 1
Yitao Wang 1
Hao Hu 1
1 State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
2 Faculty of Arts and Humanity, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
10.15171/ijhpm.2016.72
Abstract
Background
This paper aims to investigate the development trend of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals in China and explore their medical service innovations, with special reference to the changing co-existence with western medicine (WM) at TCM hospitals.
 
Methods
Quantitative data at macro level was collected from official databases of China Health Statistical Yearbook and Extracts of Traditional Chinese Medicine Statistics. Qualitative data at micro level was gathered through interviews and second-hand material collection at two of the top-level TCM hospitals.
 
Results
In both outpatient and inpatient sectors of TCM hospitals, drug fees accounted for the biggest part of hospital revenue. Application of WM medical exanimation increased in both outpatient and inpatient services. Even though the demand for WM drugs was much higher in inpatient care, TCM drugs was the winner in the outpatient. Also qualitative evidence showed that TCM dominated the outpatient hospital service with WM incorporated in the assisting role. However, it was in the inpatient medical care that WM prevailed over TCM which was mostly applied to the rehabilitation of patients.
 
Conclusion
By drawing on WM while keeping it active in supporting and strengthening the TCM operation in the TCM hospital, the current system accommodates the overriding objective which is for TCM to evolve into a fully informed and more viable medical field.
Keywords
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital
Western Medicine (WM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM)
Medical Service
China
Subjects
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International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 6, Issue 1
2017
Pages 19-25

  • Received Date 21 November 2015
  • Revised Date 31 May 2016
  • Accepted Date 01 June 2016
  • First Published Date 01 January 2017
  • Published Date 01 January 2017