Research on the development methodology for clinical practice guidelines for organic integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine

Integrated traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and Western medicine(WM)is a new medical science grounded in the knowledge bases of both TCM and WM,which then forms a unique modern medical system in China.Integrated TCM and WM has a long history in China,and has made important achievements in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment.However,the methodological defects in currently published clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)limit its development.The organic integration of TCM and WM is a deeper integration of TCM and WM.To realize the progression of"integration"to"organic integration",a targeted and standardized guideline development methodology is needed.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to establish a standardized development procedure for clinical practice guidelines for the organic integration of TCM and WM to promote the systematic integration of TCM and WM research results into clinical practice guidelines in order to achieve optimal results as the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Levels of evidence and grades of recommendation supporting European society for medical oncology clinical practice guidelines

Background:The European Society for Medical Oncology(ESMO)guidelines are among the most comprehensive and widely used clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)globally.However,the level of scientific evidence supporting ESMO CPG recommendations has not been systematically investigated.This study assessed ESMO CPG levels of evidence(LOE)and grades of recommendations(GOR),as well as their trends over time across various cancer settings.Methods:We manually extracted every recommendation with the Infectious Diseases Society of America(IDSA)classification from each CPG.We examined the distribution of LOE and GOR in all available ESMO CPG guidelines across different topics and cancer types.Results:Among the 1,823 recommendations in the current CPG,30%were classified as LOEⅠ,and 43%were classified as GOR A.Overall,there was a slight decrease in LOEⅠ(−2%)and an increase in the proportion of GOR A(+1%)in the current CPG compared to previous versions.The proportion of GOR A recommendations based on higher levels of evidence such as randomized trials(LOEⅠ–Ⅱ)shows a decrease(71%vs.63%,p=0.009)while recommendations based on lower levels of evidence(LOEⅢ–Ⅴ)show an increase(29%vs.37%,p=0.01)between previous and current version.In the current versions,the highest proportion of LOEⅠ(42%)was found in recommendations related to pharmacotherapy,while the highest proportion of GOR A recommendations was found in the areas of pathology(50%)and diagnostic(50%)recommendations.Significant variability in LOEⅠand GOR A recommendations and their changes over time was observed across different cancer types.Conclusion:One-third of the current ESMO CPG recommendations are supported by the highest level of evidence.More well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to increase the proportion of LOEⅠand GOR A recommendations,ultimately leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.

Practice guidelines for the pathological diagnosis of primary liver cancer: 2015 update

In 2010, a panel of Chinese pathologists reported the first expert consensus for the pathological diagnosis of primary liver cancers to address the many contradictions and inconsistencies in the pathological characteristics and diagnostic criteria for PLC. Since then considerable clinicopathological studies have been conducted globally, prompting us to update the practice guidelines for the pathological diagnosis of PLC. In April 18, 2014, a Guideline Committee consisting of 40 specialists from seven Chinese Societies(including Chinese Society of Liver Cancer, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association; Liver Cancer Study Group, Chinese Society of Hepatology, Chinese Medical Association; Chinese Society of Pathology, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association; Digestive Disease Group, Chinese Society of Pathology, Chinese Medical Association; Chinese Society of Surgery, Chinese Medical Association; Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association; Pathological Group of Hepatobiliary Tumor and Liver Transplantation, Chinese Society of Pathology, Chinese Medical Association) was created for the formulation of the first guidelines for the standardization of the pathological diagnosis of PLC, mainly focusing on the following topics: gross specimen sampling, concepts and diagnostic criteria of small hepatocellular carcinoma(SHCC), microvascular invasion(MVI), satellite nodules,and immunohistochemical and molecular diagnosis. The present updated guidelines are reflective of current clinicopathological studies, and include a novel 7-point baseline sampling protocol, which stipulate that at least four tissue specimens should be sampled at the junction of the tumor and adjacent liver tissues in a 1:1 ratio at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock reference positions. For the purposes of molecular pathological examination, at least one specimen should be sampled at the intratumoral zone, but more specimens should be sampled for tumors harboring different textures or colors. Specimens should be sampled at both adjacent and distant peritumoral liver tissues or the tumor margin in order to observe MVI, satellite nodules and dysplastic foci/nodules distributed throughout the background liver tissues. Complete sampling of whole SHCC ≤ 3 cm should be performed to assess its biological behavior, and in clinical practice, therapeutic borders should be also preserved, even in SHCC. The diagnostic criteria of MVI and satellite nodules, immunohistochemical panels, as well as molecular diagnostic principles, such as clonal typing, for recurrent HCC and multinodule HCC were also proposed and recommended. The standardized process of pathological examination is aimed at ensuring the accuracy of pathological PLC diagnoses as well as providing a valuable frame of reference for the clinical assessment of tumor invasive potential, the risk of postoperative recurrence, long-term survival, and the development of individualized treatment regimens. The updated guidelines could ensure the accuracy of pathological diagnoses of PLC, and provide a valuable frame of reference for its clinical assessment.

Chinese version of NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology officially authorized by NCCN

The publishing conference of the Chinese version of National Comprehensive Cancer Network （NCCN） Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology （hereinafter referred to as NCCN Guidelines） and the inaugural peer reviewer meeting of NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology： Digestive System Cancers （hereinafter referred to as NCCN Guidelines on Digestive System Cancers） were held in People＇s Medical Publishing House in January 28^th, 2016 （Figure 1）.

On Treatment Patterns for Modeling Medical Treatment Processes in Clinical Practice Guidelines

Clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)contain evidence-based and economically reasonable medical treatment processes.Executable medical treatment processes in healthcare information systems can assist the treatment processes.To this end,business process modeling technologies have been exploited to model medical treatment processes.However,medical treatment processes are usually flexible and knowledge-intensive.To reduce the effort in modeling,we summarize several treatment patterns(i.e.,frequent behaviors in medical treatment processes in CPGs),and represent them by three process modeling languages(i.e.,BPMN,DMN,and CMMN).Based on the summarized treatment patterns,we propose a pattern-based integrated framework for modeling medical treatment processes.A modeling platform is implemented to support the use of treatment patterns,by which the feasibility of our approach is validated.An empirical analysis is discussed based on the coverage rates of treatment patterns.Feedback from interviewed physicians in a Chinese hospital shows that executable medical treatment processes of CPGs provide a convenient way to obtain guidance,thus assisting daily work for medical workers.

Clinical practice guidelines for the interventional treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer(5^(th)edition)

Pancreatic cancer has become a major disease affecting people’s health because of its insidiousness,rapid progression and poor prognosis.Based on the practical needs of clinical work,combined with domestic multi-center research and experience,this guideline provides constructive suggestions for the interventional treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Colorectal surgeon consensus with diverticulitis clinical practice guidelines

AIM To determine the application of clinical practice guidelines for the current management of diverticulitis and colorectal surgeon specialist consensus in Australia and New Zealand.METHODS A survey was distributed to 205 colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand, using 22 hypothetical clinical scenarios.RESULTS The response rate was 102(50%). For 19 guidelinebased scenarios, only 11(58%) reached consensus(defined as > 70% majority opinion) and agreed with guidelines; while 3(16%) reached consensus and did not agree with guidelines. The remaining 5(26%) scenarios showed community equipoise(defined as less than/equal to 70% majority opinion). These included diagnostic imaging where CT scan was contraindicated, management options in the failureof conservative therapy for complicated diverticulitis, surgical management of Hinchey grade 3, proximal extent of resection in sigmoid diverticulitis and use of oral mechanical bowel preparation and antibiotics for an elective colectomy. The consensus areas not agreeing with guidelines were management of simple diverticulitis, management following the failure of conservative therapy in uncomplicated diverticulitis and follow-up after an episode of complicated diverticulitis. Fifty-percent of rural/regional based surgeons would perform an urgent sigmoid colectomy in failed conservative therapy of diverticulitis compared to only 8% of surgeons city-based(Fisher's exact test P = 0.016). In right-sided complicated diverticulitis, a greater number of those in practice for more than ten years would perform an ileocecal resection and ileocolic anastomosis(79% vs 41%, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION While there are areas of consensus in diverticulitis management, there are areas of community equipoise for future research, potentially in the form of RCTs.

Organic Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicines—Future of Clinical Practice Guidelines of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicines

The transformation and implementation of clinical practice guidelines for integrated traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and Western medicine(WM)is crucial to the adoption of medical science and technological findings and is an important way for TCM to be made available to the world.First,clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)of TCM and WM integration in recent years was analyzed to clarify the current situation and problems in the existing guidelines according to the following four perspectives:(1)perspective of TCM and WM integration in guidelines,(2)diagnosis Using integrated TCM and WM,(3)integration of TCM and WM treatment,(4)promoting TCM and WM integration.Secondly,the information and quality evaluation of CPGs for integrated Chinese and Western medicine in 2020–2022 were analyzed to explore the degree and methods of integration of Chinese and Western medicine guidelines.And last this study aimed to lay a foundation for the further establishment of Chinese characteristic,repeatable,and calculable clinical practice guidelines of TCM and WM integration.

Appraising the quality of clinical practice guidelines in Chinese patent medicine

Background:Chinese patent medicine(CPM)is a type of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)that utilizes Chi-nese medicinal materials as its raw ingredients.Following the principles of TCM theory,it undergoes specific processing techniques to create various dosage forms for the prevention and treatment of diseases.The current CPM guidelines,both domestically and internationally,are constrained by limitations in methodological quality and reporting,which do not adequately address the requirements of the majority of clinicians and patients.Objective:To evaluate the methodological rigor and reporting quality of clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)in CPM,with aim to assess their current quality and to provide recommendations for improving guideline develop-ment.Methods:The study utilized the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II(AGREE II)tool and the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare for Traditional Chinese Medicine(RIGHT for TCM)checklist to evaluate the methodological rigor and reporting quality of CPM guidelines.After the training session,the four investigators were divided into two groups to evaluate the guidelines of patent Chinese medicine included in this study based on the aforementioned criteria.In case of any discrepancies,a secondary analysis was conducted by all four researchers under the guidance of two clinical experts,ensuring an impartial evaluation outcome.Average score or average reporting rate were calculated for each domain.Results:A total of 32 CPM guidelines that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed.The AGREE II yielded an average score of 67.2%.The domain scores were as follows:scope and purpose(93.3%),stakeholder involve-ment(50.1%),rigor of development(76.8%),clarity of presentation(79.4%),applicability(40.1%),and editorial independence(63.6%).The average reporting rate of the RIGHT for TCM checklist was 70.0%,with the report-ing rates for the seven domains as follows:basic information(94.2%),background(87.9%),evidence(97.5%),recommendation(57.5%),review and quality assurance(11.4%),funding and declaration and management of interests(26.6%),and other information(68.8%).Conclusions:The methodological and reporting quality of CPGs for CPM have been deemed acceptable since 2020.However,there is still room for improvement,particularly in enhancing the reporting quality to provide clinicians and patients with more effective and comprehensive guidance.Additionally,it may be beneficial to develop a comprehensive reporting checklist specifically tailored for CPM guideline development.

A Protocol for Developing Chinese Clinical Practice Guidelines of Hypertension

To improve the standard screening, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension in patients in China;realize the standardization of clinical practice of hypertension;and improve the prevention and control level of hypertension in China, it is both important and necessary to develop a clinical practice guideline for hypertension according to a recognized methodology. Jointly sponsored by the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Hypertension Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Chinese Society of Cardiology, and Hypertension Committee of Cross-Straits Medicine Exchange Association, the “Chinese Clinical Practice Guidelines of Hypertension” was proposed. Research Unit of Evidence-Based Evaluation and Guidelines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guideline and Standards Research Centre of Chinese Medical Association Publishing House, Lanzhou University Institute of Health Data Science, and Lanzhou University GRADE Center will provide methodological support for the guidelines.

World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)Clinical Practice Guidelines on Acupuncture and Moxibustion:Female Urinary Incontinence recommendation summaries

Urinary incontinence(UI)is common in women and affects the quality of life in female patients severely.But the clinical consideration and treatment are insufficient.Acupuncture and-moxibustion has been proposed as a potentially effective intervention for female UI.Hence,the World Federation of Acupuncturemoxibustion Societies(WFAS)have initiated a project to develop the clinical practice guideline(CPG)on acupuncture and moxibustion for female UI towards global acupuncture practitioners.The CPG was developed according to the Grades of Recommendation,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation(GRADE)methodology,referring to the principles of the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Development.During the development of the CPG,the guideline development group(GDG)played an important role,which is composed of multi-national and multi-disciplinary experts.The clinical questions,recommendations and therapeutic protocols were all formulated by GDG using the modified Delphi method and basing on the results of the latest systematic review.This article focuses on the recommendations in the CPG.The CPG contains ten recommendations for ten clinical questions,including nine conditional recommendations for the intervention,one conditional recommendations for either the intervention or the comparison.The CPG also provides one conventional filiform needle therapy protocol,two deep puncturing stimulation on lumbosacral acupoints therapy protocols,and four moxibustion therapy protocols,extracted from the included clinical evidence of this CPG.

Characteristics and quality of clinical practice guidelines for diabetic kidney disease:a systematic review

OBJECTIVE:To assess the quality of Clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)in the context of diabetic kidney disease(DKD)and determine whether any factors affect the quality.METHODS:We searched eight databases along with five international and national organizations to develop or archive guidelines from their inception to July 2023,with an additional search of medlive.cn.And the authoritative organizations related to nephrology.CPGs and consensus statements created using direct differential diagnosis or therapy for DKD were included without language restrictions.Their quality was evaluated by four reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and EvaluationⅡ(AGREEⅡ)instrument.Along with the item and domain scores,the guideline was also allocated an overall quality score,which ranged from 1(lowest possible quality)to 7(highest possible quality).Moreover,an overall recommendation for use was also assigned(“recommended”,“recommended with modifications”or“not recommended”).RESULTS:A total of 16 CPGs were included,of which 14 were from Asia and the remaining two from Europe.These two CPGs were updated in the third version.Six CPGs were recommended for use because their primary domains scored in the medium or high category.Furthermore,five CPGs were recommended with modifications as the stakeholder involvement,applicability,and editorial independence domains were evaluated as low categories.In all domains,the lowest average score was for rigour of development(33%),followed by application(36%),and stakeholder involvement(51%).The highest average score was for scope and purpose(79%),followed by clarity of presentation(75%).None of the CPGs considered the patient's viewpoint,and six of 16 CPGs did not use any grading system to translate the evidence into recommendations.Additionally,only three of 16 CPGs shared search strategy,and eight of 16 CPGs did not declare a funding source.CONCLUSIONS:According to the AGREE II evaluation,more than one in four CPGs for DKD had poor methodological quality.Enhanced efforts are needed to advance the rigour of development,application,and editorial independence of DKD guideline panels for most guidelines.Stakeholders,CPG developers,and CPG users should consider methodological quality while choosing CPGs,and interpret and implement their issued suggestions.

A review of clinical practice guidelines on the management of preeclampsia and nursing inspiration

Objectives:To review,evaluate,and synthesize the recommendations of guidelines on preeclampsia(PE)from a nursing perspective.Methods:This is a systematic review of international and national guidelines on PE.Electronic databases and related guideline websites were searched from 2013 to 2023.After systematic retrieval and screening,we used the AGREE II tool to appraise the methodological quality of guidelines that met the eligibility criteria.Then,we analyzed and summarized the recommendations using descriptive analysis and the framework method.Furthermore,we rated the quality of evidence and the strength of the recommendations using the GRADE approach.Results:Ten guidelines were included,among which eight were deemed“clinically useful”and records were extracted.In total,31 recommendations,including 46 items on the nursing management of PE,were summarized from three aspects:1)antenatal care(18 recommendations),including the assessment and regular monitoring of PE,standardized blood pressure(BP)measurement,prevention education for PE,antihypertensive agent monitoring,and magnesium sulfate(MgSO_(4))use;2)intrapartum care(4 recommendations),including childbirth care;3)postpartum care(9 recommendations),including regular nursing monitoring,breastfeeding care and longer-term health counseling.Most of the evidence was rated as“very low”(19/46)or“moderate”(15/46)quality.For the strength of the recommendations,30 items were graded as“strong”and 16 items were rated as“weak”.Conclusions:This study provides professional,evidence-based nursing care resources both for preservice education for nursing staff and health care education for women with PE to help them detect and treat PE in a timely manner.

Clinical practice guidelines for acute pancreatitis in the United States and Japan:similarities and differences

Acute pancreatitis(AP)is defined as sudden inflammation that occurs in the pancreas(1-4).Although most cases of AP are mild,approximately 20%of patients develop severe acute pancreatitis(SAP),which is potentially lethal(3,4).Because of the rapid expansion of knowledge regarding the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of AP,remaining apprised of the latest information regarding clinical practice can be challenging.Clinical practice guidelines are published statements proposed by a panel of experts and include recommendations regarding the optimal diagnosis and treatment of disease(5).Therefore,many clinicians rely on clinical practice guidelines for patient management.Recently,the American College of Gastroenterology(ACG)published clinical practice guidelines for AP management(1).However,in Japan,clinicians often rely on the 2021 Japanese clinical practice guidelines when managing AP(2).The ACG and Japanese clinical practice guidelines for AP share various recommendations regarding diagnosis,severity assessment,and management of this condition;however,these guidelines also have significant differences.Therefore,this editorial article discusses these similarities and differences.

Differences in Contents and Formation Methods of Clinical Questions in Chinese and Korean Clinical Practice Guidelines of Acupuncture-Moxibustion:Scoping Review

Objective:To analyze the differences in the needs of users and the value orientation of clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)by comparing the contents and formation methods of clinical questions in Chinese and Korean CPGs of acupuncture-moxibustion(Acup-Mox).Methods:The full text of CPGs was systematically searched from the official websites of Chinese and Korean traditional medicine societies and Acup-Mox associations,with the topic"Acup-Mox for treating diseases"and the retrieval time up to September 28,2022.Two researchers screened the CPGs independently,and extracted the guidelines'topics,content,quantity and formation methods of clinical questions.The quantitative data were collected by counting the frequency,and the qualitative data were classified and described by thematic analysis.Results:A total of 29 guidelines were included in this study,including 20 Chinese guidelines(305 questions)and 9 Korean guidelines(223 questions).The differences lie in the aspects of content and diversity,and formation method.As for content and diversity,Chinese guidelines focused mainly on the questions related to treatment such as the operation of specific intervention(86,28.2%),efficacy of intervention(78,25.6%),and also involving questions in diagnosis,prevention,and prognosis.While the clinical questions in Korean guidelines were concentrated to efficacy of intervention(218,97.8%).As for formation method,in Chinese guidelines,questions were usually collected directly from clinicians,and then determined and optimized by experts.In Korean guidelines,frequently used clinical Acup-Mox interventions would be screened first.Then the expert group would set up corresponding intervention control measures so as to form clinical questions related to treatment efficacy.Conclusions:The differences reflect the different needs of clinical practitioners,and the different aims or concepts in developing Acup-Mox guidelines between China and South Korea.Chinese guidelines emphasized promoting operation protocols and techniques of Acup-Mox for practical use,while Korean guidelines emphasized promoting the frequently used clinical intervention therapies.It is speculated that the guidelines from these two countries would play different roles in guiding clinical operation and supporting medical decision.In terms of formation methods of clinical questions,it is suggested to attach importance to optimizing process in formatting clinical questions to improve the clinical applicability of CPGs of Acup-Mox.

Development of the Scientific,Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) tool for clinical practice guidelines

Background:This study aimed to develop a comprehensive instrument for evaluating and ranking clinical practice guidelines,named Scientific,Transparent and Applicable Rankings tool(STAR),and test its reliability,validity,and usability.Methods:This study set up a multidisciplinary working group including guideline methodologists,statisticians,journal editors,clinicians,and other experts.Scoping review,Delphi methods,and hierarchical analysis were used to develop the STAR tool.We evaluated the instrument’s intrinsic and interrater reliability,content and criterion validity,and usability.Results:STAR contained 39 items grouped into 11 domains.The mean intrinsic reliability of the domains,indicated by Cronbach’sαcoefficient,was 0.588(95%confidence interval[CI]:0.414,0.762).Interrater reliability as assessed with Cohen’s kappa coefficient was 0.774(95%CI:0.740,0.807)for methodological evaluators and 0.618(95%CI:0.587,0.648)for clinical evaluators.The overall content validity index was 0.905.Pearson’s r correlation for criterion validity was 0.885(95%CI:0.804,0.932).The mean usability score of the items was 4.6 and the median time spent to evaluate each guideline was 20 min.Conclusion:The instrument performed well in terms of reliability,validity,and efficiency,and can be used for comprehensively evaluating and ranking guidelines.

Clinical practice guidelines of acupuncture-moxibustion for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy

On the basis of relevant literature and evidence, Clinical Practice Guidelines of Acupuncture-moxibust^on .for Cervical 5pondyloffc Radiculopathy has been formulated according to the quality of evidences and by adopting the method of Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation （GRADE）, in which the objective of guidelines formulation, the scope of application of the guidelines, the principle of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, the time for intervention and different acupuncture-moxibustion regimens, etc. were specified.

Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of primary liver cancer with integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） is an important part of the treatment of primary liver cancer （PLC） in China; however, the current instructions for the integrative use of traditional Chinese and Western medicine for PLC are mostly based on expert opinion. There is no evidence-based guideline for clinical prac-tice in this field. Therefore, the Shanghai Association of Chinese Integrative Medicine has established a multidisciplinary working group to develop this guideline, which focuses on the most important questions about the use of TCM during PLC treatment. This guideline was developed following the method- ological process recommended by the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Development. Two rounds of questionnaire survey were performed to identify clinical questions; published evidence was searched; the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to evaluate the body of evidence; and recommendations were formulated by combining the quality of evidence, patient preferences and values, and other risk factors. The guideline was written based on the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare tool. This guideline contains 10 recommendations related to 8 questions, including recommendations for early treatment by TCM after surgery, TCM combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for advanced PLC, TCM drugs for external use, and acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.

A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and best practice statements for the diagnosis and management of varicocele in children and adolescents

A systematic review was conducted to identify and qualitatively analyze the methods as well as recommendations of Clinical Practice Guidelines （CPG） and Best Practice Statements （BPS） concerning varicocele in the pediatric and adolescent population. An electronic search was performed with the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Scielo databases, as well as guidelines＇ Web sites until September 2015. Four guidelines were included in the qualitative synthesis. In general, the recommendations provided by the CPG/BPS were consistent despite the existence of some gaps across the studies. The guidelines issued by the American Urological Association （AUA） and American Society for Reproductive Medicine （ASRM） did not provide evidence-based levels for the recommendations given. Most of the recommendations given by the European Association of Urology （EAU） and European Society of Pediatric Urology （ESPU） were derived from nonrandomized clinical trials, retrospective studies, and expert opinion. Among all CPG/BPS, only one was specifically designed for the pediatric population. The studied guidelines did not undertake independent cost-effectiveness and risk-benefit analysis. The main objectives of these guidelines were to translate the best evidence into practice and provide a framework of standardized care while maintaining clinical autonomy and physician judgment. However, the limitations identified in the CPG/BPS for the diagnosis and management of varicocele in children and adolescents indicate ample opportunities for research and future incorporation of higher quality standards in patient care.

Investigation of international demand for Clinical Practice Guidelines of Acupuncture and moxibustion:A cross-sectional study

Objective:This study aims to get the medical management of acupuncture and moxibustion in the countries and regions where the society members of World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)are located,including the educational background of acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners and the local clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion,and the demands of the content and evidence types of Clinical Practice Guidelines(CPGs)of acupuncture and moxibustion in accordance with WFAS standards,so as to provide requirements and reference principles for the development of CPGs of acupuncture and moxibustion in accordance with WFAS standards.Methods:The convenient sampling method was used to collect the questionnaires,and the WFAS secretariat distributed the questionnaires to 294 contacts of society members from 70 countries and regions in the form of Questionnaire Star four times in April 2020,July 2020,March 2021,and April 2021 respectively.They were then distributed to individual members of acupuncture-moxibustion societies by the contacts.The study content involved the basic information of respondents,including their nationality,occupation,educational background of acupuncture and moxibustion,their local clinical practice and medical management of acupuncture and moxibustion,as well as their demand for CPGs of acupuncture and moxibustion,etc.After the questionnaires were collected,the data were analyzed and described by quantitative research method.Results:In all,302 respondents from 37 countries of six continents responded.The 302 respondents were members of the WFAS society members.(1)Basic information of respondents.They all had acupuncture and moxibustion learning experience,among which,76.5%(231/302)had the education background of acupuncture and moxibustion professional college training,and 88.4%(267/302)had experience of acupuncture and moxibustion clinical practice.Acupuncturists or traditional Chinese medicine doctors accounted for 63.9%(193/302),western medicine doctors,nurses,and pharmacists accounted for 18.2%(55/302),and researchers and teachers accounted for 6.3%(19/302).(2)Local clinical practice and medical management of acupuncture and moxibustion.The level of clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion varies greatly among the regions where the WFAS society members lived.Among them,more countries in Europe have not included acupuncture and moxibustion in medical insurance than those in other continents(x^(2)=26.049,P<0.01),and more countries have not included acupuncture and moxibustion in public hospital treatment system than those in other continents(x^(2)=113.488,P<0.01).(3)Demand for CPGs of acupuncture and moxibustion.A total of 93.0%(281/302)respondents believed that WFAS CPGs of acupuncture and moxibustion would be helpful for their local practice.The order of their demand and concern for WFAS CPGs was:acupuncture manipulation>latest progress of acupuncture treatment>choice of acupuncture therapies>safety of acupuncture and moxibustion>combination of acupuncture and other programs.A total of 87.4%(264/302)respondents believed that ancient classics could guide clinical practice,and the ancient literature should be used as evidence for the development of guidelines.Conclusion:The respondents are those future practitioners of CPGs of acupuncture and moxibustion conforming to WFAS standards.Commonly they have clinical practice experience and professional education background.They believe that guidelines will be of help to the clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion,hope that WFAS CPGs would recommend effective guidelines for acupuncture manipulation and provide the latest progress in acupuncture treatment and so on,and they believe that classical ancient books can guide their clinical practice.It indicates the necessity and feasibility of formulating the WFAS CPGs of acupuncture and moxibustion.In view of the results of this study,it is suggested that the formulation process of WFAS CPGs of acupuncture and moxibustion should take into account the clinical practice level of acupuncture and moxibustion in each region,as well as its legislation and management situation of acupuncture and moxibustion,so as to meet the needs of users as much as possible.