TCM practitioners' perspectives on AI-assisted ad hoc interpreting in China: a qualitative study

Objective Healthcare providers' perspectives on interpreting services offer critical insights for interpreters training and policy development. In China, AI-assisted ad hoc interpreting arrangements are the status quo; however, little is known about practitioners' perspectives on this mode in cross-linguistic TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) clinical practice. This study is part of an attempt to bridge that gap. Methods A cross-sectional qualitative study design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 TCM practitioners, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Six themes were identified from the data: information loss and diagnostic uncertainty; when equivalence fails, inequivalence emerges; redistribution of power and trust relations; communication barriers and professional identity erosion; necessary but suboptimal; and beyond interpreting toward understanding. Conclusions TCM practitioners reported considerable drawbacks in using “ ad hoc +AI” mode, with implications for clinical compromise and erosion of professional identity. There is a need for professional interpreting services to ensure that all individuals seeking TCM care can receive equitable care.