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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Debate

STRICTA: is it time to do more?

Authors: Lizhou Liu, Margot Skinner, Suzanne M McDonough, Priya Kannan, George David Baxter

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2015

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.

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Title: STRICTA: is it time to do more?
Authors: Lizhou Liu
Margot Skinner
Suzanne M McDonough
Priya Kannan
George David Baxter
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-015-0714-4

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STRICTA: is it time to do more?

Abstract

Background

Discussion

Summary

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Abstract

Background

Discussion

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