Appropriately selecting and concisely reporting the outcome measures of randomized controlled trials of traditional Chinese medicine.
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao
; 6(8): 771-5, 2008 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18664342
ABSTRACT
Evaluating outcome is the primary means by which different medical modalities can be compared with regard to effectiveness. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this focus has prompted practitioners to search for outcome measures that can objectively verify the effectiveness of TCM interventions, especially in the context of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Commonly used indexes for outcome assessment in RCTs of TCM can be categorized into two types TCM-specific outcomes such as tongue and pulse characteristics, and Western medicine (WM)-specific outcomes such as blood test and X-ray examination results. Some studies include both types of indicators. During the trial design, it is necessary to consider the rationales of selecting outcome assessments, the purpose and study approach, balance between objective and subjective indexes, standardization of outcome assessment, and standardized outcome indexes. We recommend to report the outcome assessment in RCTs of TCM in the following format 1) identifying the primary and secondary outcomes based on the purpose and hypothesis of the trial; 2) defining the primary and secondary outcomes clearly; 3) presenting the rationale of selection; 4) presenting the method with aims to standardize the assessment process; 5) presenting the method to improve the reliability of assessment; and 6) stating the termination criteria in the trial.
Texto completo:
1
Eixos temáticos:
Pesquisa_clinica
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como Assunto
/
Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde
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Medicina Baseada em Evidências
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Medicina Tradicional Chinesa
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Article