In order to understand international students’ cognition of and experience with Chinese medical services and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as well as your future willingness to seek medical treatment in China, we are conducting this survey.
This questionnaire is anonymous, and all data will be used for academic research only. No personal privacy information will be involved. Please answer according to your actual situation.
The estimated completion time is approximately 5 minutes.
Thank you for your support and participation!
1. Your gender
Male Female Prefer not to disclose
2. Your age group
Under 18 years old 18–24 years old 25–30 years old 31 years old and above
3. Which region are you from?
Southeast Asia South Asia Central Asia Africa Europe North America South America Oceania Other
4. How long have you been studying in China?
Less than 1 year 1–2 years 2–4 years More than 4 years
5. How familiar are you with Chinese medical services?
Very familiar Fairly familiar Moderately familiar Not very familiar Not familiar at all
6. Through which channels did you learn about Chinese medical services? Personal medical experience in China Recommendations from classmates or friends Recommendations from university faculty/staff Social media platforms News reports Family members’ introduction Other
7. Before or after coming to China, have you heard of the following aspects of Chinese medical services? Advanced medical technology Convenient appointment services (e.g., mobile booking) Relatively low medical costs Distinctive features of Traditional Chinese Medicine Experienced physicians None of the above
8. When seeking medical treatment in China, what are your top two concerns? (Select up to 2 options)
Language barriers (difficulty communicating symptoms to doctors) Unclear registration procedures or department selection Concerns over high or non-transparent medical expenses Lack of medical insurance coverage/reimbursement Dissatisfaction with hospital environment or clinical workflows No major concerns; generally satisfied
9. If you have received medical treatment in China, what are the most notable differences compared with the healthcare system in your home country? (If you have never visited a doctor in China, please select “No experience yet”) No experience yet Faster registration process in China / Shorter waiting time in home country Lower costs in China / More patient-centered services in home country More advanced medical equipment in China / Doctors in home country communicate better in English No significant difference
10. Have you ever visited a hospital in China?
Frequently Occasionally Only once Never※ If you select “Never”, please skip to Question 15.
11. How would you rate your overall experience of receiving medical treatment in China?(11-14 For respondents with medical experience only)
Very satisfied Fairly satisfied Neutral Fairly dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
12. How would you evaluate the professional competence of Chinese physicians?
Very high High Moderate Low Very low
13. What difficulties did you encounter during medical visits in China? Language barriers Complex registration procedures Unclear fee structures Long waiting times Unfamiliarity with hospital layout/environment Insurance reimbursement issues Other
14. Would you consider seeking medical treatment in China again in the future?
Very willing Fairly willing Neutral Reluctant Not willing at all
15. How familiar are you with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Very familiar Fairly familiar Heard of it Not very familiar Not familiar at all
16. Which of the following TCM services have you experienced? Acupuncture Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage) Moxibustion Chinese herbal medicine TCM-based health preservation and regulation Never experienced any TCM service
17. What is your overall impression of TCM?
Very positive Positive Neutral Negative Very negative
18. In which scenarios do you think TCM is applicable? Chronic pain management Sleep disorders Fatigue or sub-health conditions Rehabilitation and recuperation Digestive system disorders Not clear Other
19. If conventional medical treatment proves ineffective, would you be willing to try TCM?
Very willing Fairly willing Neutral Reluctant Not willing at all
20. If you require medical treatment in the future, would you consider receiving care in China?
Very willing Fairly willing Neutral Reluctant Not willing at all
21. After returning to your home country, if you have medical needs, would you consider coming back to China for treatment?
Definitely yes Probably yes Uncertain Probably no Definitely no
22. Would you recommend seeking medical treatment in China to your family or friends?
Very willing Fairly willing Neutral Reluctant Not willing at all
23. What are the top three most attractive aspects of Chinese medical services to you? (Select up to 3 options)
High professional competence of physicians Advanced medical equipment High clinical efficiency Short waiting time Reasonable medical costs Distinctive TCM characteristics Good hospital environment Satisfactory service attitude Other
24. What do you think are the main challenges for international patients seeking medical treatment in China? (Select up to 3 options)
Language barriers Lack of familiarity with Chinese hospitals Difficulty accessing medical information Visa or administrative procedure issues Cultural differences Limited usability of international insurance Non-transparent medical costs Other
25. In your opinion, what is the greatest strength of Chinese medical services?
26. What suggestions do you have for improving the medical experience of international patients in China?