Zhou S, Li K, Ogihara A, Wang X. Perceptions of traditional Chinese medicine doctors about using wearable devices and traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic instruments: A mixed-methodology study.
Digit Health 2022;
8:20552076221102246. [PMID:
35646381 PMCID:
PMC9134401 DOI:
10.1177/20552076221102246]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of traditional Chinese
medicine doctors about wearable devices and diagnostic instruments and
explore the factors that influence them.
Methods
Data on the perceptions of the traditional Chinese medicine doctors in
Hangzhou, China, about wearable devices and diagnostic instruments were
collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The author coded
the interview responses using grounded theory. A cross-sectional survey was
conducted in four traditional Chinese medicine hospitals in Hangzhou, China.
The responses of 385 traditional Chinese medicine doctors were considered
valid. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were
used for analysis.
Results
This study categorized the perceptions of traditional Chinese medicine about
wearable devices and traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic instruments
under convenience, reliability, suitable population, machine usage scenario,
and the integration of traditional Chinese medicine and information
communication technology. Convenience encompassed portability and the
convenience of carrying instruments or wearing the devices and operating
them and the human–device interface. Reliability encompassed the underlying
principles, accuracy, durability, and reference to diagnosis. Suitability
for people encompassed age distinction and disease differentiation. Machine
usage scenarios included use in daily life, educational institutions, and
primary medical institutions. The combination of traditional Chinese
medicine and information communication technology encompassed the
integration of traditional Chinese medicine and wearable functions and
diagnostic interpretation. The perceptions of traditional Chinese medicine
doctors were affected by age, title, type of hospital, and specialty.
Conclusions
The use of wearable devices and traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic
instruments has gradually been accepted by traditional Chinese medicine
doctors. Traditional Chinese medicine doctors need to improve their
knowledge and skills for information communication technology integration,
and their standardized training should incorporate information communication
technology and digital health.
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