An Analysis on the Utilisation of Health Information Technology to Support Clinical Operation of Chinese Medicine

Background

There are about 80% of the world population use CAM treatments (WHO, 2013). In Australia the number of people using CAM is rising. Research shows that the number of visits to CAM practitioners by adult Australians in year 2004 to 2005 reached 69.2 million, while the number of visits to primary care or general practice (GP) was 69.3 million in the same year (Xue et al. 2007). CM is one of the most popular CAM practices today (Lukman et al. 2007). There are 4,157 registered acupuncturists in Australia (CMBA, 2014) and more than 10 million visits to acupuncturists every year (Xue et al., 2008). CM is considered by many patients to have fewer side effects; more effective treatment to the root of the disease; and is good for the overall health of patients (Chi, 1994). Unlike western medicine (WM), CM’s unique methods of diagnosis (combine inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiring, and palpation in every diagnosis) give each patient individualised treatment (Chi, 1994). This approach, to some patients, is a benefit and an advantage.