Interpretation of a Quantitative Diagnosis Model of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes Based on Computer Adaptive Testing

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to interpret a quantitative diagnosis model of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes based on computer adaptive testing (CAT), from the perspective of both patients and clinicians. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients with postprandial distress syndrome completed the CAT model of TCM syndromes and the Chinese version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Functional Digestive Disorders (Chin-FDDQL); the clinicians' diagnosis was concurrently recorded. The patients completed this questionnaire again after 14 ± 2 days. The kappa test and paired chi-square test were used to evaluate the consistency between the CAT model and clinical diagnosis. Minimal clinically important differences (MCID) of the Chin-FDDQL scores were used to assess clinical efficacy from the patients' perspective. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between changes in the CAT model syndrome domain scores and changes in clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Changes in the CAT model syndrome domain scores may affect the clinical outcomes of patients with the total scores of Chin-FDDQL (all P < 0.05). There was a correlation between changes in the CAT model syndrome domain scores and the patients' clinical outcomes. Different syndrome elements had different effects on various Chin-FDDQL domains, which was consistent with the theory of TCM. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a method for the clinical interpretation of the CAT model of TCM syndromes, including evidence derived from the application. It may provide a reference for future interpretation of other CAT models.