Accuracy of Kampo Diagnostic Support System: Comparison With Certified Physicians of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine.

OBJECTIVE

Japanese Traditional (Kampo) Medicine (JTM) relies on traditional diagnostic patterns (sho). However, half of Japanese physicians do not consider Kampo patterns when prescribing, increasing the risk of improper use and adverse events. This study evaluated the accuracy and challenges of KAMPO365, a diagnostic support system for JTM, by comparing its outputs with diagnoses and prescriptions by certified physicians of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine.

METHODS

Twenty outpatients at two hospitals participated by inputting clinical data into KAMPO365, which generated Kampo pattern diagnoses and formula recommendations. Specialists, blinded to KAMPO365 outputs, conducted independent diagnoses and prescribed five candidate Kampo formulas.

RESULTS

The results showed a 35% concordance rate between KAMPO365-recommended formulas and specialists' selections, with higher agreement in pharmacological classification (45%). Concordance rates for diagnostic patterns were 55% for deficiency/excess and 65% for cold/heat. For qi, blood, and fluid disturbance patterns, fluid retention had the highest concordance (75%), while qi counter flow and blood deficiency had the lowest (30%).

CONCLUSION

KAMPO365 demonstrated potential in aiding non-specialists, though improvements in diagnostic algorithms and the coverage of Kampo formulas are needed. Despite its limitations, this study suggests the potential utility of KAMPO365 for diagnosing Kampo patterns and providing precise prescriptions.