Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） effectiveness evaluation system is consisted of patient health-related core outcome sets and TCM-specific outcome sets. The core outcome set is a minimum set of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials in specific areas of healthcare

while TCM-specific outcome set complies the outcomes that can reflect the specific characteristics of TCM. Outcome indicators and measurement tools lay the foundation of the TCM effectiveness evaluation system

while the measurement property is a prerequisite for system construction. Mixed methods research obeys a research design whereby qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis are organically integrated in the same study. It satisfies the needs of subjective selection of target population and objective measurement of clinical research content

allowing researchers to analyze problems from different perspectives

enriching research evidence for further interpretation

and improving the universality and specificity of outcome indicators in the system. Mixed method research can be used to build an internationally recognized

clinically feasible

and TCM-specific effectiveness evaluation system

which will provide outcome indicators for clinical trials or practice

highlight the characteristics of TCM interventions

promote patients′ involvement in evidence-based decision-making

enhance the comprehensiveness and scientificity of TCM effectiveness evaluation

and provide new methodological ideas.