Implementation science is a relatively emergent and growing research area. Implementation research can assist to transform what is possible in theory to reality in practice and address the challenge of implementing proven interventions in the real world. Implementation research has a wide range of usages and complex research problems, so appropriate research methods, designs, and outcomes variables are required to address different research objectives. To better conduct implementation research, this paper systematically introduces the research designs, outcome variables, and reporting guideline of the implementation research in health care, based on the purposes and research questions of implementation research.
Objective To evaluate quality and current status of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guidelines and consensus, and to promote the improvements in the quality of guidelines and consensus. Methods A systematic collection of TCM guidelines and consensus published in medical journals in 2022 was conducted. We used scientific, transparent, and applicable ranking tools (STAR) for evaluation, analyzed the scoring rates (%), and assessed the quality level and influencing factors of guidelines and consensus through methods such as comparison and stratification. Results A total of 130 TCM guidelines and consensus were included. Guideline areas with higher scores included recommendations (65.3%), evidence (55.9%), and guideline development groups (54.2%). In the case of consensus, higher scores were observed in recommendations (38.7%), guideline development groups (37.0%), and funding (30.0%). The total score rate of TCM guidelines exceeded that of national guidelines, while the consensus rate was lower. Stratified analysis revealed statistical differences in guideline score rates among journals and issuing institutions, as well as significant differences in consensus score rates among journals, formulation institutions, subjects, and funding categories. Conclusion The quantity and quality of TCM guidelines and consensus are on a positive trajectory, with higher quality levels in guidelines than in consensus. The overall quality of TCM guidelines surpasses that of national guidelines, particularly emphasizing the scientificity of guideline formulation. However, the overall quality of consensus remains lower than that of the national consensus. Factors such as journals, formulation institutions, subjects, and funding categories are identified as potential influences on the quality of TCM guidelines and consensus.
Objective To evaluate the reporting quality of rapid guidelines on Chinese medicine responding to public health emergencies. Methods The databases of PubMed, Embase, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Data, and preprint platforms were electronically searched. A supplementary search was performed by navigating the websites and Wechat public platforms specific to guideline development and dissemination, health and medical governing bodies, and academic organizations of Chinese medicine. Only guidelines published within three months after the onset of acute respiratory infectious diseases were eligible. The database search settings were as follows: SARS guidelines up to May 2003, H1N1 guidelines up to August 2009, and COVID-19 guidelines up to April 2020. The report quality was assessed using the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) and its extension for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Results A total of 50 rapid guidelines on Chinese medicine responding to public health emergencies were included, indicating a growing trend in the number of guidelines. The RIGHT items most frequently reported were item 1c (n=46, 92.00%), item 7a (n=47, 94.00%), item 13a (n=49, 98.00%). The items extended to TCM was generally frequently reported (≥50%). However, the ten key items related to evidence, recommendations, funding, and the declaration and management of interest were rarely reported. Conclusion Enhancing the reporting quality of rapid guidelines on Chinese medicine in response to public health emergencies requires methodological solutions. The development of such guideline reporting standards should consider the unique characteristics of public health emergencies and the special nature of Chinese medicine evidence.