Abstract: Objective: To develop an intelligent decision support system for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) nursing and evaluate its application effect, so as to provide a reference for the intelligent development of TCM nursing. Methods: Based on the Clinical Nursing Information System, a knowledge base for TCM nursing was developed, which included 5 modules: nursing assessment, syndrome identification and typing, syndrome-based nursing care, efficacy evaluation and data analysis. Comparisons were made before and after system implementation regarding TCM nursing efficacy evaluation, satisfaction with the implementation of TCM nursing programs, quality management, nursing documentation time, and nurse satisfaction with the user experience. Results: After the application of the system, both TCM nursing efficacy and satisfaction with the implementation of TCM nursing program were significantly improved (P<0.001); the quality management was improved (all P<0.001); nursing documentation time was significantly reduced (P<0.001); nurse satisfaction with the user experience was significantly improved (P<0.001). Conclusion: The knowledge base-based intelligent decision support system for TCM nursing can improve the efficacy of TCM nursing and documentation quality, reduce recording time, and gain recognition from nurses, demonstrating good application value.

Key words: Traditional Chinese Medicine nursing; syndrome differentiation; clinical decision support system; information technology; knowledge base