The Impact of E-Service-Learning on Tui-na Teaching in a Chinese Medicine Course—From the Perspectives of Service-Recipients and Service-Partner

Tui-na, a form of Chinese Medicine treatment for orthopaedics-related problems has been widely known for its efficacy. It is also a form of treatment that requires close physical interaction between the Chinese Medicine practitioner and the patient. However, due to Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing measures were imposed, limiting closed physical interaction. In Hong Kong Baptist University where Chinese Medicine course on Tui-na was offered, the Covid-19 social distancing measures affected the students service-learning activities and were unable to offer Tui-na interventions to elderlies who may benefit from it. As a result of these restrictions, the course instructors decided to pilot an online service-learning to deliver Tui-na intervention to 6 elderlies. The aim of the current study was to examine the impact of Tui-na online service-learning from the perspective of service-recipients and service-partner. Qualitative data were collected through phone interviews and were analysed using Thematic. The results of the qualitative interviews first suggested that the participants were generally satisfied with the service received. Second, key areas that could have further implications on the success of conducting Tui-na e-service-learning were identified. These include communication, logistic and technology. The implication of these findings and its limitations will be beneficial towards future online skill-based courses.