Oriental Medicine Needs Information Technology; Survey on Needs from Domain Experts and Medical Consumer

Hong, Sangmin; Kim, Junghoon; Park, Kyungmo; Shin, Hyungyu

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research is to survey the requirements of Oriental Medical Informatics, and to suggest a direction that Oriental Medical Informatics development may take.
METHODS
Consumers and medical experts were randomly selected, and 14 uestions for consumers and 17 questions for medical experts were sent to respondents by mail and e-mail.
RESULTS
Both consumers and medical experts were greatly concerned with the systemized dissemination of Oriental Medical Information, but they were not satisfied with it because of the perceived low quality of the information. Medical experts responded that they need standards and statistical evidences for Oriental Medicine. Consumers demanded good-quality information about diseases and health management.
CONCLUSION
To carry out Oriental Medical Informatics, it is necessary to conduct a joint research between the sectors of Oriental Medicine and Information Technology, followed by the development of a standard information infrastructure. Oriental Medicine must also have standards in terms of medical data content, data format, and data communication, to ensure the reliability of the disseminated information on Oriental Medicine.