Article type
Abstract
Background
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 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.
Objectives
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.
Methods
We searched relevant literature from inception to July 2022. Semi-structured interviews were adopted, and researchers or clinicians who develop clinical practice guidelines for TCM/integrated TCM and WM were interviewed until the content was saturated. The draft of the Formulation Methods and Procedures for CPGs of Organic Integration of TCM and WM was discussed, revised, improved and finally formed through the consensus meeting.
Results
A search obtained 54 guidelines for integrated TCM and WM. A total of 20 experts in evidence-based medical methodology, researchers or clinicians with experience in developing guidelines in TCM/integration of TCM and WM were interviewed. The analysis yielded six themes and twelve sub-themes.
Conclusions
Establishing a standardized development procedure for guidelines for the organic integration of TCM and WM can provide a feasible method for systematically integrating TCM and WM, promote the communication and cooperation between TCM and WM, and form a comprehensive treatment model for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Relevance and importance to patients
The organic integration of TCM and WM is better at solving clinical problems, such as improving efficacy and detoxification, reducing the drug dosage, early intervention, avoiding surgery, and reducing complications.
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 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.
Objectives
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.
Methods
We searched relevant literature from inception to July 2022. Semi-structured interviews were adopted, and researchers or clinicians who develop clinical practice guidelines for TCM/integrated TCM and WM were interviewed until the content was saturated. The draft of the Formulation Methods and Procedures for CPGs of Organic Integration of TCM and WM was discussed, revised, improved and finally formed through the consensus meeting.
Results
A search obtained 54 guidelines for integrated TCM and WM. A total of 20 experts in evidence-based medical methodology, researchers or clinicians with experience in developing guidelines in TCM/integration of TCM and WM were interviewed. The analysis yielded six themes and twelve sub-themes.
Conclusions
Establishing a standardized development procedure for guidelines for the organic integration of TCM and WM can provide a feasible method for systematically integrating TCM and WM, promote the communication and cooperation between TCM and WM, and form a comprehensive treatment model for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Relevance and importance to patients
The organic integration of TCM and WM is better at solving clinical problems, such as improving efficacy and detoxification, reducing the drug dosage, early intervention, avoiding surgery, and reducing complications.