Introduction: Whole-person approach represents a fundamental tenet of integrated care globally. However, there remains a lack of consensus regarding its precise definition and an inclination towards superficial and formal implementation. This study aims to compare the similarities and differences between Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives on the whole-person approach, and their potential implications for integrated care. Methods: We performed a scoping review search of original articles with a sufficient definition of a whole-person approach published in English (Wed of Science) and Chinese (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) between January 2010 and July 2024. A total of 127 articles deemed relevant to this overview were synthesized using a thematic analysis. Results and Discussion: The study reveals that both Western medicine and TCM adopt a whole-person approach in integrated care, characterized by multidimensionality, dynamism, capability, and collaboration. However, the study also highlights that the goals and focuses of the whole-person approach in Western medicine and TCM differ. The research further discusses the importance of developing a genuine integration of the best ideas from both Western medicine and TCM to achieve a comprehensive and effective whole-person approach to integrated care. Conclusions: This study highlights the culture-specific perspectives in the whole-person approach to integrated care, and also underscores the necessity of integrating the strengths of this approach derived from diverse cultural contexts.

The main objective of this study was to examine the integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) into the rapidly developing field of rural social work in China. The study demonstrated the incorporation of indigenous elements such as folkways, power structures, values, norms, traditions, and crafts into the practice through collaboration with the local community. The research employed purposive sampling, which included 4 agency directors, 1 head of a social work organization, 6 social workers, 21 social work students, 16 children and teenagers, 13 villagers, 1 folk writer, 5 local families, 3 teacher lecturers, and 6 government officers. Results showed that the integration process involves the identification, extraction, application, and evaluation of IK are closely linked to the indigenous environment, service recipients, and social workers. Nevertheless, further research is required to operationalize and evaluate the effectiveness of this integration. Findings would be important guidelines for policymakers, education and development experts, and service providers. The conclusions drawn from this study offer valuable insights into the effective integration of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) into social work practice. These insights hold significance for policymakers, education and development experts, as well as service providers not only in China but also in a broader international context.

In the last 40 years, China has been experiencing significant rural-to-urban internal migration, which was driven by the growth of manufacturing in urban China. Since the Reform and Opening policie...