Research Article

Developing Policy for Integrating Biomedicine and Traditional Chinese Medical Practice Using Focus Groups and the Delphi Technique

Table 2

Focus group discussion guideline.

Topic 1Integrating biomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine

AHow would you define integration? Can we reach a consensus on its definition? (Probe: agree? Disagree? Why? In which aspect?)
BIf this definition were to be applied Hong Kong, what sort of changes should be made? How? (Probe: link to contextual factors in local healthcare system)
CDo you have any thoughts on adding more content into this definition? (Probe: you may refer to the notes written before. Write down the comments on a display board.)
DCan you explain your ideas further the reasons for your answers with other members of the group?
EHow about disagreement? (Probe: facilitate debate among members. Inviting those who are silent to comment on the new ideas)

Topic 2Evolving relationship between BMD and TCMP

AAt what stage do you think integration has reached locally?
BHow far do you think that shows satisfactory progress? (probe: why agree? Why disagree?). Can you design a blueprint for progress?
CHow far do you think the pathway towards integration outlined here is appropriate for Hong Kong? (probe: why agree? Why disagree?)
DWhat changes in the pathway might you consider more appropriate to the local system? How? (probe: link to contextual factors in local healthcare system)
ECan you explain your ideas further with other members of the group?

Topic 3Knowledge, attitude, and skills for individual BMD and TCMP in the process of integration

AHow far do you consider our local clinicians have acquired all the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for integration? Why? Why not?
BList all the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that you believe to be necessary for integration. Focus on the requirements for your profession only
CHave you have any comments on the requirements for the profession other than yours (i.e., BMD comments on requirement for TCMP and vice versa)
DDo you think these requirements feasible under local healthcare setting? Why? How far do you consider the list is reasonable? Any final additions or deletions?