The evidence bridge: Advancing integrated Chinese-Western medicine from clinical research to practice in Hong Kong

Importance of integrated Chinese-Western medicineWestern medicine (WM), also referred to as conventional medicine, is the predominant system in global healthcare.Grounded in rigorous research methodologies, robust evidence bases, and advanced technologies, it delivers systematic and standardized diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for patients, particularly in the management of acute illnesses and critical conditions. 1 Chinese Medicine (CM), classified as Traditional Medicine in the 11th revision of the World Health Organization's International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 2 employs the holistic concept and syndrome differentiation and draws on diverse interventions, such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and tuina, to promote functional recovery, symptom relief, and long-term health management.Rooted in distinct philosophical underpinnings and theoretical systems, WM and CM each possess unique diagnostic and therapeutic strengths.The global disease profile is undergoing rapid changes.The 2023 Global Burden of Disease study, published in 2025, reveals that chronic diseases cause approximately two-thirds of global deaths.3 For chronic diseases and rehabilitation management that require sustained and multidimensional support, a single medical model is clearly insufficient.The integration between CM and WM, leveraging complementary strengths, can provide patients with more comprehensive and individualized care.4 In specific conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and post-stroke rehabilitation, it is evident that integrated Chinese-Western medicine (ICWM) treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes.5,6 Therefore, advancing ICWM is an inevitable choice for enhancing medical services and adapting to the evolving global disease landscape.