Table 2

Capabilities and survey participant scores


Capability
Mean (SD)

Technical Capabilities (TC)

TC1
Describe human structure and functions & their relevance to CM practice
4.33 (0.79)
TC2
Apply knowledge of Chinese and western medicine principles and diagnosis skills in diagnosis of disease
4.33 (0.89)
TC3
Formulate an appropriate CM prescription
4.75 (0.52)
TC4
Develop specific (individualised) treatment plans
4.73 0.48)
TC5
Diagnose and differentiate diseases/disorders according to both western and CM principles and techniques
4.34 (0.86)
TC6
Formulate a treatment plan including timelines for treatment and review
4.08 (0.85)
TC7
Give nutrition and dietary and preventive medicine advice in terms of CM knowledge for all areas of CM
4.01 (0.94)
TC8
Review and monitor patient's health and modify treatment accordingly
4.43 (0.71)
TC9
Refer to other practitioners, particularly medical practitioners, when appropriate in a timely manner
4.28 (0.86)
TC10
Perform acupuncture treatment and/or prepare and dispense a Chinese herbal prescription
4.76 (0.49)
TC11
Independently acquire technical knowledge about other diseases
4.25 (0.77)
TC12
Modify herbal formulae and/or treatment plan
4.13 (0.94)

Communication Capabilities (CC)

CC1
Appropriately apply Chinese and western medical terminologies
3.93 (0.91)
CC2
Communicate effectively with patients and other health professionals
4.07 (0.86)
CC3
Refer patients to medical and other allied health professionals
4.00 (0.88)
CC4
Communicate effectively with fellow workers
3.99 (0.91)

Response and Sustainable capabilities (RSC)

RSC1
Educate consumers of CM matters in order to promote sustainability
4.04 (0.93)
RSC2
Practise within regulatory/ethical/safety frameworks
4.62 (0.66)
RSC3
Remain financially viable
4.11 (0.96)
RSC4
Identify key business issues & draw on appropriate professional resources
3.75 (1.01)
RSC5
Participate to continue to learn (lifelong learning)
4.37 (0.79)
RSC6
Learn through experience (reflective learning)
4.62 (0.60)

Research and Information Management capabilities (RIMC)

RIMC1
Keep up-to-date with CM research
3.94 (0.88)
RIMC2
Apply knowledge of methodological issues to CM clinical research
3.48 (1.00)
RIMC3
Critically review research publications relevant to CM
3.59 (0.93)
RIMC4
Apply knowledge in ethical issues surrounding CM research
3.67 (0.99)
RIMC5
Develop a research protocol
3.05 (1.09)
RIMC6
Disseminate research outcomes to different audiences
3.21 (1.02)

Note 1: all capabilities were rated on a five-point scale (i.e. 1 = not important; 2 = little importance; 3 = moderately important; 4 = important; 5 = very important)

Note 2: SD: standard deviation

Xue et al. BMC Health Services Research 2008 8:27   doi:10.1186/1472-6963-8-27