Evaluation of the outcome of syndrome differentiation is always a difficult point in the evaluation of clinical effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）. TCM doctors play a dominant role in the treatment of syndrome differentiation

but there was no clear explanation for the influence of doctors on the treatment assessment. Based on the issues of doctor-reported outcomes（DRO） in TCM

using qualitative research methods

and specific methods such as literature review

comparative analysis

medical record review

interview and on-site investigation

the author introduces the concept of DRO-TCM

clarifies the domains

clearly analyzes the knowledge of DRO-TCM

and discusses the status and significance in evaluation of the outcome of syndrome differentiation

to provide ideas for follow-up research.