Guideline on Establishing Diagnostic Criteria for Chinese Medicine Syndromes.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To formulate the guideline for the development of diagnostic criteria for Chinese medicine syndromes, which can contribute to standardization of development of Chinese medicine syndrome diagnostic standards. METHODS: We embark into account on the development of Guideline on Establishing Diagnostic Criteria for Chinese Medicine Syndromes through Delphi method with reference to the existing technical system of diagnostic criteria for Chinese medicine syndromes and relevant criteria. RESULTS: Our guideline specifies principles, methods, and procedures for the formulation of diagnostic criteria for Chinese medicine syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: It is a comprehensive and systematic evidence-based guideline, and we hope this guideline can be applied as a reference in developing diagnostic criteria for Chinese medicine syndromes in other disciplines. It is also applicable to the formulation of diagnostic criteria for relevant clinical, educational, and scientific research by hospitals, institutes, and academies.