Volume 2,Issue 3
A Qualitative Study on the Real Perceptions of Foreign Orthopedic Patients Receiving Auricular Acupressure with Traditional Chinese Medicine Beans
Objective: To explore how foreign orthopedic patients perceive and experience auricular acupressure and to identify cultural, communication, and care-related factors that may influence acceptance of the therapy. Methods: From April 2024 to March 2026, seven foreign orthopedic patients who received auricular acupressure in the orthopedic ward of a tertiary hospital in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, were recruited by purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes and eight sub-themes were identified: (1) cultural and cognitive conflicts, including difficulty understanding TCM theory and doubts about the treatment rationale; (2) differences in treatment experience, including varied physical sensations and mixed psychological responses; (3) communication and interaction barriers, including language barriers and culturally related misunderstandings; and (4) nursing expectations and care needs, including insufficient information and a need for individualized care. Conclusion: Foreign orthopedic patients may experience uncertainty when auricular acupressure is unfamiliar to them, particularly when language and cultural differences limit understanding. Clear explanations, appropriate language support, and individualized nursing assessment may improve treatment experience and acceptance.
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