Objective To explore the methods used for developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture. Methods Based on the characteristics of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine,and principles of evidence-based medicine, this article introduces and summarizes the processes and methods for developing an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for acupuncture. We analyzed similarities and differences between clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture and for other interventions. We used an evidence-based clinical practice guideline of acupuncture for depression as an example to illustrate the methods of literature search, grading of evidence and recommendations, evidence evaluation and consensus formation. Results Preliminary recommendations on the methods for developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture were made. Conclusion Based on the optimized rational methodology for developing clinical guidelines, evidence-based high-quality clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture could be established.
Based-on retrieval and reviewing information of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines from the literature, this paper introduced the key components of assessment guideline quality, including the process of development and reporting of guideline.
This article introduces development methods and notices about evidence-based clinical practice guidelines of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and discuss the similarities and differences between GRADE system and the methodological studies of other clinical guidelines, focusing on the analysis of literature retrieval, quality of evidence, formation of recommendation strength, and detailed measures on how to ensure correct understanding and rationally using the GRADE system. Applying the GRADE system to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines of VAP could clearly present the quality of evidence and make recommendations.
The formulation process of recommendations in evidence-based clinical practice guidelines was often complex and cumbersome. This paper described the evolution of levels of evidence and strength of recommendations in medical research and analyzed existing problems when making recommendations. We also summarized and introduced the method of formulating the final recommendation. At present, there isn’t a perfect and uniform method to guide the formulation of recommendations. But some organizations provided different content frameworks or auxiliary tools to guide formulation of recommendations. Developers of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines can learn from their experiences, combine with their own characteristics of guidelines such as specific target population and specific clinical situations, establish a rational method of recommendations formation.
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to translate the U-CEP scale into Chinese, and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the U-CEP, in order to provide a measurement and evaluation tool for clinical epidemiology education and research. MethodsThe U-CEP scale was translated and adapted using the Brislin translation model. A nationwide survey of clinicians was conducted using the Chinese version of the U-CEP. Item analysis, reliability analysis, and validity analysis were performed using SPSS 26.0 software. ResultsThe discriminant validity analysis showed that except for item 4, the critical value (CR) of the other twenty-four items differed significantly between high and low groups (P<0.01), with CR values ranging from 2.902 to 14.609. The ITCs of the 25 items were all positive, with 5 items having an ITC<0.15(20%), 2 items having ITC≥0.15~0.20 (8%), 6 items having ITC≥0.20~0.40 (24%) and 12 items having ITC≥0.40 (48%). In terms of reliability, the overall Cronbach’s α coefficient of the Chinese version of the U-CEP was 0.80, with Cronbach’s α coefficient ranging from 0.752 to 0.805 when deleting each item one by one. The test-retest reliability was 0.848 (P<0.001). The alternative-form reliability was 0.838 (P<0.001). In terms of validity, expert analysis showed that the content validity of the Chinese version of the U-CEP was good. The construct validity analysis showed that the cumulative contribution rate of the 25 items was 57.50%. No respondent scored full marks or zero marks, indicating that no ceiling or floor effects were found. There were statistically significant differences in the total scores among clinicians with different educational backgrounds or with or without systematic learning of relevant knowledge (P<0.05). ConclusionThe Chinese version of the U-CEP has good reliability and validity, as well as good cultural adaptability. It can effectively assess a physician's knowledge of clinical epidemiology.