Clinical practice guidelines for the use of traditional Korean medicine in the treatment of patients with traffic-related injuries: An evidence-based approach

Abstract

IntroductionIn 2016, traditional Korean medicine (TKM) treatment for traffic-related injuries comprised 27.7% of Korea’s total car insurance medical coverage, and that proportion has been increasing annually. However, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that employ evidenced-based medicine (EBM) methodology for traffic-related injuries have not been established in TKM. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a CPG for the treatment of traffic-related injuries in TKM by conducting a systematic literature review following EBM. MethodsFirst, a network of experts was established to develop the CPG. Then, a systematic search of TKM treatments for traffic-related injuries was conducted using the Patients/Populations–Intervention–Comparison–Outcome method. To measure the methodological quality of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the assessment of multiple systematic reviews was used. The Cochrane collaboration’s risk of bias tool was used to assess the randomised controlled trials. ResultsThe CPG for the treatment of traffic-related injuries in TKM consisted of three parts: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. In total, 13 recommendations were developed, with two regarding diagnosis, 10 regarding treatment, and one regarding prognosis. ConclusionsThis CPG was developed by conducting a systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials. Therefore, this CPG can be adapted to different clinical status for traffic-related injuries. Specifically, it can be useful reference for traditional Chinese medicine and Kampo medicine practitioners using the same or similar interventions. In addition, the CPG can serve as an EBM model for countries unfamiliar with the complementary and alternative medicine treatment of traffic-related injuries.