# Attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals in a comprehensive tertiary hospital regarding traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of influenza

## TL;DR

This study explores how healthcare professionals at a tertiary hospital view and use traditional Chinese medicine for treating influenza.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding TCM for influenza treatment in a tertiary hospital setting.

## Key findings

- 70.79% of healthcare professionals had experience using TCM for influenza.
- Positive attitudes toward TCM were found, but clinical practice was limited.
- Educational events and family TCM use significantly influenced attitudes and practices.

## Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals at a comprehensive tertiary hospital regarding the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in influenza treatment. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between June 5 and July 14, 2024. Data were collected using a validated self-designed questionnaire assessing healthcare professionals’ attitudes and practices. Analysis of 606 questionnaires (95.43% response rate) revealed 70.79% doctors (59.08% female); 79.21% had TCM influenza experience. Mean attitude score (50.69 ± 6.73) indicated favorable TCM perceptions, but practice scores (28.47 ± 5.43) showed moderate engagement. Attitude and practice scores correlated significantly (*r* = 0.5252, P < 0.001). Educational events (P < 0.01), family TCM use (P < 0.001), and TCM-employed relatives (P < 0.05) mediated attitudes and practices. Although healthcare professionals demonstrated generally positive attitudes towards TCM, their actual clinical practice remained limited. To promote the integration of TCM into influenza care, targeted training and educational programs are recommended.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-21006-5.