Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Editorial

Empowering Acupuncture Students Through an Education in Research: Using Case Reports to Enhance Learning and Clinical Practice: Sandro Graca, Samantha J. Allen, Harriet Lansdown, Rosa N. Schnyer, Kathleen Lumiere; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(1):1-5. Published online February 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.02.001; Correction in: https://doi.org/

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Abstract PDF: The current landscape of acupuncture education is marked by significant challenges including the closure of prominent schools and a decline in student enrollment. Addressing these issues requires innovative approaches that improve educational content and student engagement. Given the recognized interest in research amongst students, integration of research skills into acupuncture education is vital in the development of students into practitioners who are equipped with critical thinking. These skills enable meaningful engagement with scientific literature and facilitate the delivery of evidence-based care. Production of a case report goes beyond taking simple case histories and provides a practical bridge between theory and clinical practice by teaching students research skills (systematic data collection, detailed analysis, and critical evaluation of treatment outcomes). The work involved in case reports enhances diagnostic skills, clinical reasoning, and communication with peers and other healthcare professionals. When used in conjunction with pragmatic data sets, case reports may be used in secondary analyses that reflect real-world clinical settings in a more practical way than clinical trials providing insights into broader clinical patterns and outcomes. The integration of research-focused learning prepares students for evidence-based practice, promotes interdisciplinary communication, and supports professionalism in acupuncture through contributions to the clinical evidence base.

Review Article

Characteristics and Quality of Traditional Chinese Therapies and Integrative Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines for Musculoskeletal Disorders Published in Mainland China: Xue-Feng Wang, Jing-Ling Zuo, Lin-Jian Li, Lan-Dan Xu, Xiao-Zhong Liu, Si-Si Ma, Jian-Ping Liu; Perspect Integr Med. 2024;3(1):7-17. Published online February 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2024.02.002

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in adults. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative medicine (IM) are commonly used treatments which have clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). This study aimed to determine the characteristics and quality of these CPGs.
Methods
CPGs which recommended TCM/IM therapies in musculoskeletal conditions/diseases published in Chinese or English between January 2018 to December 2022 in mainland China were retrieved and analyzed for guideline classification, funding source, conflict of interest, and methodology. Appraisal of Guideline for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ including 6 domains, was applied to assess CPG quality.
Results
Of the 50 CPGs included, there were 19 TCM, 5 IM, and 26 western conventional medicine (WCM) guidelines of which osteoporosis (13, 26%), osteoarthritis (11, 22%) and rheumatoid arthritis (6, 12%) were the most frequent diseases. The TCM therapies recommended by the CPGs successively were acupuncture and moxibustion, Chinese patent medicine, and TCM decoction based on syndrome differentiation. Nearly half of the CPGs reported funding source (52%) and conflict of interest (48%). Thirty-six CPGs used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations method to present summaries of evidence, the remaining did not report the method. Based on Appraisal of Guideline for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ scores, “clarity of presentation” scored the highest (55%), while “applicability” was the lowest (6%). No CPG was recommended without change, and 23 CPGs were not recommended.
Conclusion
The quality of CPGs for musculoskeletal conditions/diseases in China is generally low. Future CPGs should pay more attention to standardized developing procedures.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Combination therapy of shinbaro and celecoxib improves joint pain and cartilage degradation in an osteoarthritis mouse model
Jae-Hwan Jang, Yurim Song, Seok Hee Han, Bo Ram Choi, Yoon Jae Lee, In-Hyuk Ha
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of Combined Shinbaro and Celecoxib in a Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Inflammatory Pain Mouse Model
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Journal of Inflammation Research.2025; Volume 18: 2349. CrossRef

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