Table 2 Capabilities and survey participant scores
| Â | Capability | Mean (SD) |
|---|---|---|
Technical Capabilities (TC) | ||
TC1 | Describe human structure and functions & their relevance to CM practice | 4.33 (0.79) |
TC2 | Apply knowledge of Chinese and western medicine principles and diagnosis skills in diagnosis of disease | 4.33 (0.89) |
TC3 | Formulate an appropriate CM prescription | 4.75 (0.52) |
TC4 | Develop specific (individualised) treatment plans | 4.73 0.48) |
TC5 | Diagnose and differentiate diseases/disorders according to both western and CM principles and techniques | 4.34 (0.86) |
TC6 | Formulate a treatment plan including timelines for treatment and review | 4.08 (0.85) |
TC7 | Give nutrition and dietary and preventive medicine advice in terms of CM knowledge for all areas of CM | 4.01 (0.94) |
TC8 | Review and monitor patient's health and modify treatment accordingly | 4.43 (0.71) |
TC9 | Refer to other practitioners, particularly medical practitioners, when appropriate in a timely manner | 4.28 (0.86) |
TC10 | Perform acupuncture treatment and/or prepare and dispense a Chinese herbal prescription | 4.76 (0.49) |
TC11 | Independently acquire technical knowledge about other diseases | 4.25 (0.77) |
TC12 | Modify herbal formulae and/or treatment plan | 4.13 (0.94) |
Communication Capabilities (CC) | ||
CC1 | Appropriately apply Chinese and western medical terminologies | 3.93 (0.91) |
CC2 | Communicate effectively with patients and other health professionals | 4.07 (0.86) |
CC3 | Refer patients to medical and other allied health professionals | 4.00 (0.88) |
CC4 | Communicate effectively with fellow workers | 3.99 (0.91) |
Response and Sustainable capabilities (RSC) | ||
RSC1 | Educate consumers of CM matters in order to promote sustainability | 4.04 (0.93) |
RSC2 | Practise within regulatory/ethical/safety frameworks | 4.62 (0.66) |
RSC3 | Remain financially viable | 4.11 (0.96) |
RSC4 | Identify key business issues & draw on appropriate professional resources | 3.75 (1.01) |
RSC5 | Participate to continue to learn (lifelong learning) | 4.37 (0.79) |
RSC6 | Learn through experience (reflective learning) | 4.62 (0.60) |
Research and Information Management capabilities (RIMC) | ||
RIMC1 | Keep up-to-date with CM research | 3.94 (0.88) |
RIMC2 | Apply knowledge of methodological issues to CM clinical research | 3.48 (1.00) |
RIMC3 | Critically review research publications relevant to CM | 3.59 (0.93) |
RIMC4 | Apply knowledge in ethical issues surrounding CM research | 3.67 (0.99) |
RIMC5 | Develop a research protocol | 3.05 (1.09) |
RIMC6 | Disseminate research outcomes to different audiences | 3.21 (1.02) |