Integrating traditional Chinese medicine services in community health centers: insights into utilization patterns in the Pearl River Region of China

Chung, V. C.H., Ma, P. H.X., Wang, H. H.X. , Wang, J. J., Hong, L. C., Wei, X., Wong, S. Y.S., Tang, J. L. and Griffiths, S. M. (2013) Integrating traditional Chinese medicine services in community health centers: insights into utilization patterns in the Pearl River Region of China. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 426360. (doi: 10.1155/2013/426360) (PMID:23533480) (PMCID:PMC3590637)

Abstract

In China's healthcare reform, community health centers (CHCs) are designed to take a pivotal role in providing primary care. Whilst about 20% of all outpatient care in China is delivered by the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sector, hospitals, instead of CHCs, are major providers. Using current patterns of patient utilization this study aims to inform CHCs on how they may strengthen access to TCM services. Three thousand three hundred and sixty CHC patients from six cities within the urban Pearl Delta Region were enumerated using multistage cluster sampling. Fifty-two percent had visited herbalists within three months with a mean visit frequency of 1.50 times. Herbal treatments, which are cheaper than western medicines, were more popular amongst those who needed to pay out of pocket including the uninsured. Herbal medicines appeared to be an alternative for those who are underinsured. Acupuncturists and massage therapists were visited by smaller proportions, 6.58% and 5.98%, respectively, with a mean three-month visit of 0.27 and 0.26 times. Access was restricted by lack of social insurance coverage. Whilst increasing provision of TCM in CHCs might respond to patient demand, increasing insurance coverage for TCM needs to be evaluated using current evidence on safety and effectiveness.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study is funded by the Hong Kong Bauhinia Foundation Research Center (CUHK Project Code: 7050162).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wang, Professor Haoxiang
• Authors: Chung, V. C.H., Ma, P. H.X., Wang, H. H.X., Wang, J. J., Hong, L. C., Wei, X., Wong, S. Y.S., Tang, J. L., and Griffiths, S. M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Publisher: Hindawi
• ISSN: 1741-427X
• ISSN (Online): 1741-4288
• Published Online: 20 February 2013
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2013 Vincent C. H. Chung et al.
• First Published: First published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013:426360
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license