Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Philosophy

First Advisor

Heting Chu

Second Advisor

Bea Baaden

Third Advisor

Selenay Aytac

Abstract

Digital technology plays an increasing role in Chinese medicine and Western modalities alike. This research uses content analysis and grounded theory for developing a conceptual framework for a digital health system in the Western world termed Digital Chinese Medicine (DCM). Four research questions were proposed: • What are the functional requirements of a DCM system? • What inputs, processes, and outputs are necessary for a DCM system to be both effective and efficient? • What components and features are most desired in a DCM system? • What will a graphical representation of a DCM system look like? Over 475 publications served as data sources spanning topics including digital health records, telemedicine and remote patient management, medical imaging, health recommender systems and applications, remote sensors, do-it-yourself health and wellness, intelligent Chinese medical diagnosis, digitization of Chinese herbal medicine, and intelligent acupuncture and acupressure. Results show that the integration of Chinese Medicine with cutting-edge digital technology in the Western world can greatly benefit many in our society. Digitally standardizing the traditionally subjective diagnostic methods of Chinese medicine demonstrates the potential of making use of technology that complements existing medical practices. The conceptualized system also highlights a shift toward patient-centric and self-managed health systems, with digitalization directly leading to the cultural expansion and globalization of Chinese medicine, particularly in the Western world, to generate deeper, more holistic understandings of human health. Immediate research opportunities are also suggested that aim to eliminate existing limitations of this study. They include standardization of digital Chinese medical diagnostics, regulatory pathway development, and pilot testing and prototyping of DCM applications and devices. A brief history of Chinese medicine and how it works is also included in this dissertation to help illustrate the strengths and limitations of the potential for this ancient system in the digital age in light of big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things, and other digital health interventions.

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