Textual quantitative research and implications of China's medical education policies-analysis based on the...

To analyze China's "medical education" policies issued in the past three decades using the "tool-development-intensity" framework, explore the focus and deficiencies of policy texts, and propose recommendations.

Based on content analysis and quantitative analysis, construct the three-dimensional framework of "tool-development-intensity," classify and conduct cross-comparative analysis on national-level medical education policy provisions.

Environmental policy instruments dominate medical education policies (57.76%, intensity 0.585), primarily comprising "coordination mechanisms" (intensity 0.248) and "enhanced safeguards" (intensity 0.181), reflecting the government's governance approach centered on top-level design and institutional safeguards. Supply-oriented (20.69%, intensity 0.200) and demand-oriented tools (21.55%, intensity 0.215) are notably underutilized. Across medical education dimensions, "guarantee mechanisms" exhibit the highest policy intensity (0.312), followed by "training models" (0.228), while "schooling formats" receive the least attention (0.136). Three-dimensional cross-analysis reveals structural imbalances in policy tools across different developmental dimensions, such as the "guarantee mechanism" heavily relying on environmental tools.

China's medical education policies exhibit a characteristic "environment-dominated, safeguarding-priority" pattern, reflecting strong state mobilization and institutional regulation. However, significant shortcomings remain in stimulating grassroots innovation, promoting diversified institutional models, and supporting international research collaboration. Future efforts should optimize the policy tool structure, increase investment in supply-demand policies for critical weak links, and advance the coordinated, high-quality development of the medical education system.