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.
Adapting the existing guidelines in the context of specific regions can improve the efficiency of guidelines development, and reduce cost and time for developing guidelines. ADOLOPMENT is a methodological tool for guidelines adaptation, which was developed by the GRADE Working Group based on the standardized international guidelines making process. With ADOLOPMENT, developers can effectively use existing guidelines and evidence, avoid duplication of the evidence evaluation, and record the process from evidence to recommendations, which will ensure the transparency of adaptation, help users to understand the process, and improve the acceptability and credibility of guideline adaptation. This paper aims to introduce the ADOLOPMENT and its application.
