Perceptions of traditional Chinese medicine doctors about using wearable devices and traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic instruments: A mixed-methodology study

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.