Comprehensive evaluation research of Chinese patent medicine (CPM) is performed to demonstrate the comprehensive value of CPM from multiple dimensions and to clarify the clinical value and positioning, so as to provide references for decision-making in health or drug policies. Therefore, to standardize and promote comprehensive evaluation studies on CPM, the current guideline introduced the specific requirements on the applicable subject, basic principles, and major evaluation content, thereby providing guidance for researchers in the future.
The preferred reporting items for comprehensive evaluation of Chinese patent medicine (PRICE-CPM) were developed, and comprised six domains, 21 items and 72 sub-items. The EQUATOR collaboration network for the formulation and revision of reporting specifications was referred to and the final report list items were established by adopting the literature analysis method, the expert committee discussion and the Delphi method, and considering the characteristics of CPM evaluation.