Professionalism in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners: a qualitative study

Sungwon Yoon,Julian Thumboo,Hwee Ling Koh,Jie Kie Phang,Warren Fong,Yu Heng Kwan,Swee Cheng Ng,Sarah Chooi,Xiang Ling Ang

doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03127-8

Abstract

BackgroundMedical professionalism is important for establishing public trust in doctors. Its definition is culture-sensitive. However, no research has explored medical professionalism in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. This study aims to (a) establish the domains of professionalism in TCM practitioners in Singapore, and to (b) compare the domains of professionalism of practitioners trained in TCM and practitioners trained in conventional medicine.MethodsData for this qualitative study was collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) with TCM practitioners. IDIs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted by two independent coders using the Professionalism Mini-Evaluation Exercise (P-MEX) as a framework. The domains of professionalism in TCM and conventional medicine were then compared, using data from a similar study on professionalism in practitioners trained in conventional medicine.ResultsA total of 27 TCM practitioners (40.7% male) participated in this study. The four domains of professionalism in the P-MEX, namely doctor-patient relationship skills, reflective skills, time management and inter-professional relationship skills, and two new sub-domains, “communicated effectively with patient” and “demonstrated understanding and integrated with conventional medicine”, were relevant to TCM practitioners. This is largely similar to that of practitioners trained in conventional medicine, with a few differences, including “ensured continuity of care” and “used health resources appropriately”.ConclusionThe domains of professionalism in TCM practitioners were established and they are similar to that of practitioners trained in conventional medicine. This study is the first to define medical professionalism in TCM practitioners. Findings will provide guidance on the education of professionalism in TCM practitioners.

Highlights

Medical professionalism is important for establishing public trust in doctors
The median number of years of experience of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners was 8 years (2 to 44 years). 48.1% of the TCM practitioners practised in a voluntary organisation setting, while 51.9% of them practised in a for-profit setting
When comparing the domains of professionalism in TCM practitioners against that of practitioners trained in conventional medicine, this study found two key differences

Summary

Introduction

Medical professionalism is important for establishing public trust in doctors. Its definition is culturesensitive. Medical professionalism in healthcare is defined as a set of values, behaviours and relationships that underpins public trust in doctors [1]. Professional conduct is associated with increased patient trust, satisfaction and compliance to treatment, which leads to improved medical outcomes [2]. To ensure better medical outcomes for patients, all doctors in healthcare, not just practitioners trained in conventional medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, should cultivate good medical professionalism. The charter defines professionalism as a commitment to professional competence and responsibilities, upholding honesty with patients, maintaining patient confidentiality, maintaining appropriate patient-practitioner relationships, improving quality of care, ensuring just distribution of limited resources, having scientific knowledge and managing conflicts of interest [5]. Wagner et al further defined knowledge/technical skills, character values and patient relationship as core themes of professionalism [11]

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