PRISMA extension for moxibustion 2020: recommendations, explanation, and elaboration

Xuan Zhang,Qi-Ying Aixinjueluo,Chung Wah Cheng,Ke-Hu Yang,Ai-Ping Lyu,Liang Yao,Wai Ching Lam,Ran Tan,Xiao-Qin Wang,Zhao-Xiang Bian,Hong-Cai Shang,Si-Yao Li,Tai-Xiang Wu

doi:10.1186/s13643-020-01502-7

Abstract

BackgroundMoxibustion is a common intervention of Chinese medicine (CM). Systematic reviews (SRs) on moxibustion are increasing. Although the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement provides guidelines for SRs, the quality of moxibustion-related SRs is still not satisfactory. In particular, descriptions of the interventions and the rationale for using moxibustion are insufficient. To address these inadequacies, the working group developed this PRISMA extension for reporting SRs of moxibustion (PRISMA-M 2020).MethodsA group of CM clinical professionals, methodologists of SRs, reporting guideline developers, and journal editors developed this PRISMA-M 2020 through a comprehensive process that includes registration, literature review, consensus meetings, Delphi exercises for soliciting comments, and revision, resulting in this final draft.ResultsSeven of the 27 PRISMA checklist items, namely title (1), rationale (3), eligibility criteria (6), data item (11), additional analyses (16), study characteristics (18), and additional analysis (23), were extended, with specific reference to the application of moxibustion. Illustrative examples and explanations for each item are provided.ConclusionThe PRISMA-M 2020 will help improve the reporting quality of SRs with moxibustion.Systematic review registrationWe have registered it on the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) network, particularly under the item of PRISMA-TCM: http://www.equator-network.org/library/reporting-guidelines-under-development/reporting-guidelines-under-development-for-systematic-reviews/#65.

Highlights

RationaleDescribe the rationale for the review in the context of what is already knownDescribe the rationale for what is already known about moxibustion utilized for the target disease and/or Chinese medicine (CM) pattern
Systematic review registration: We have registered it on the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) network, under the item of PRISMA-TCM: http://www.equator-network.org/library/ reporting-guidelines-under-development/reporting-guidelines-under-development-for-systematic-reviews/#65
The methodology framework recommended by the EQUATOR Network was used in developing it [24], in the following seven steps: Registration This PRISMA-M was included in the registered item of “PRISMA-TCM” on the EQUATOR Network, as moxibustion is a common and important type of traditional Chinese medicine [25]

Summary

Introduction

RationaleDescribe the rationale for the review in the context of what is already knownDescribe the rationale for what is already known about moxibustion utilized for the target disease and/or CM pattern (if any). Descriptions of the interventions and the rationale for using moxibustion are insufficient To address these inadequacies, the working group developed this PRISMA extension for reporting SRs of moxibustion (PRISMA-M 2020). With more and more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) of moxibustion published every year, the importance of improving the reporting quality of moxibustion studies has been highlighted by both researchers and users of moxibustion evidence [9,10,11]. No specific reporting guidelines for moxibustion SRs have been developed, the PRISMA statement has been published for many years [16], and several extensions, such as PRISMA for Abstracts [17], Protocols [18], Harms [19], and Complex Interventions [20], have been developed

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Discussion

Conclusion