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.
Highlights
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a sector composed of TCM service and TCM products
As medical innovation plays influential role in reshaping medical sector and changing pharmaceutical system,[15] exploratory investigation into TCM hospitals is especially necessary. It is against this background that the present study aims at an informed analysis of the development trend of TCM hospitals in China and the situation of their medical service innovation, in relation to western medicine (WM)
The overall data about medical services of TCM hospitals were collected from the database of Extracts of Traditional Chinese Medicine Statistics, which is an official collection of TCM information operated by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM)
Summary
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a sector composed of TCM service (by TCM doctors) and TCM products (including Chinese patent medicine, Chinese herbal piece, and Chinese herb). TCM hospitals are medical institutions that treat the patients with TCM service and products to maintain public health.[1] Before the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, there were no established TCM hospitals, but only private pharmacies operated by TCM doctors.[2] To protect TCM as a national treasure of China and provide affordable medical services, the central government initiated a TCM hospital system since 1954.3 Since TCM hospitals in China have remained committed to medical care and the social and historic cause of reviving TCM as an important part of Chinese cultural heritage.[4] Despite the interruption of the Cultural Revolution in the late 1960s and 1970s TCM still made some progress, such as acupuncture anesthesia. “integration of Chinese and western medicine (WM)” was advocated by government to encourage TCM and WM practitioners to learn from each
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