Review on the Current Status and Strategies of TCM Syndrome Efficacy Evaluation
10.19879/j.cnki.1005-5304.202502460
- VernacularTitle:中医证候疗效评价研究现况及策略述评
- Author:
Xiaoxue LAN
1
;
Hong CHEN
;
Yanan SUN
;
Changhe YU
Author Information
1. 北京中医药大学东直门医院,北京 100700;南充市中医医院,四川 南充 637000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
TCM syndrome efficacy evaluation;
disease-syndrome combination;
dynamism;
co-construction by practitioners and patients;
state-target pattern differentiation
- From:
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;32(12):183-186
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Efficacy evaluation of TCM syndromes is a core aspect of validating the clinical effectiveness of TCM.However,consensus has yet to be established regarding its conceptual definition,measurement tools,and methodological framework.This article reviewed the current state of research in TCM syndrome efficacy evaluation:Conceptually,there is a need to clarify the distinction between broad(encompassing all outcome measures highlighting the efficacy of treatment based on syndrome differentiation)and narrow(limited to syndrome-related indicators)definitions;in terms of content and methodology,it is essential to integrate macro-and micro-level indicator systems,standardize evaluation models that either combine or separate disease and syndrome diagnosis,and address the characteristics of dynamism,individualization,and holism;regarding measurement,challenges such as interference from disease factors and insufficient indicator matching persist in the development of scales,objectification of the four diagnostic methods(inspection,listening and smelling,inquiry,pulse-taking),and construction of mathematical models still exist.Future research directions may focus on the following:Enhancing a people-centered evaluation process through"co-construction by practitioners and patients";Establishing a primary framework centered on"guiding disease treatment by syndrome differentiation"to promote the quantification and precision of syndrome indicators(e.g.,state-target syndrome differentiation);Integrating multiple data sources to construct an evidence-based comprehensive evaluation system.By standardizing definitions,innovating tools,and integrating methodologies,the standardization and precision of TCM pattern efficacy evaluation research can be advanced.
