STRICTA: Is it time to do more?

Lizhou Liu, Margot Skinner, Suzanne M. McDonough, Priya-kannan, David G. Baxter

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: In order to facilitate the completeness and transparency of reporting on randomized controlled trials undertaken using acupuncture interventions, a consensus group of international experts developed the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) in 2002. This reporting guideline was updated in 2010, and was applicable to a broader range of acupuncture research, including uncontrolled trials and case reports. Subsequent evaluations have noted limitations on the impact of STRICTA in the reporting quality of acupuncture trials, and the description of acupuncture details remains poor. Thus improvement in the efficacy of the STRICTA guidelines is called for. Discussion: We explored the STRICTA guidelines from four aspects, including the development procedure, validity assessment, endorsement and adherence, and citation situation. Based upon these findings, we provided five potential suggestions for further development of STRICTA. Summary: STRICTA are valid reporting guidelines based on robust methodology and scientific content. However specific implementation strategies including: updating the STRICTA checklist; improving the STRICTA reporting efficiency; consistency with implementing the "Instructions for authors" for journals; establishing global STRICTA research centers; and expanding the STRICTA website, are needed. Such strategies will improve their utilization and impact positively on the quality of reporting on acupuncture research outcomes.
Original languageEnglish
Article number190
JournalBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jun 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acupuncture
  • Implementation
  • Reporting guidelines
  • Reporting quality
  • STRICTA

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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