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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | COVID-19 | Research

Views of Hong Kong Chinese medicine practitioners on the application of the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans” prepared by the Chinese medicine expert group of central authorities: a focus group study

Authors: Shu Cheng Chen, Wing Fai Yeung, Hui Lin Cheng, Man Ho Li, Yuen Shan Ho

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Drawing on the extensive utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to combat COVID-19 in Mainland China, experts designed a series of TCM anti-epidemic strategies. This study aims to understand Hong Kong CM practitioners’ application of and opinions on the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans.”

Methods

Online focus group interviews were conducted, and purposive sampling was employed to invite 22 CM practitioners to voluntarily participate in three interview sessions. The interviews were audio recorded, then transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed using template analysis.

Results

Three themes were derived: (1) facilitators of the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans,” (2) barriers of the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans,” and (3) expectations on improving the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans.” The participants could obtain relevant information from various sources, which highlights the value of the plans for TCM medicinal cuisine and non-pharmacologic therapies and guiding junior CM practitioners, supplementing Western medicine interventions, and managing Chinese herb reserves in clinics. However, the barriers included the lack of a specialized platform for timely information release, defective plan content, limited reference value to experienced CM practitioners, and lack of applicability to Hong Kong. The expectations of the CM practitioners for improving the plans were identified based on the barriers.

Conclusions

To enhance the implementation of the anti-epidemic plans, CM practitioners in Hong Kong expect to utilize a specific CM platform and refine the plans to ensure that they are realistic, focused, comprehensive, and tailored to the local context.

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Title: Views of Hong Kong Chinese medicine practitioners on the application of the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans” prepared by the Chinese medicine expert group of central authorities: a focus group study
Authors: Shu Cheng Chen
Wing Fai Yeung
Hui Lin Cheng
Man Ho Li
Yuen Shan Ho
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04469-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Views of Hong Kong Chinese medicine practitioners on the application of the “Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans” prepared by the Chinese medicine expert group of central authorities: a focus group study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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