Evidence based Acupuncture-Moxibustion Key questions and outcomes for the clinical practice guideline on acupuncture and moxibustion for allergic rhinitis

Objective: Formulating critical clinical questions and outcomes is essential for developing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). This study aims to formulate the key clinical questions and outcomes for the CPG on acupuncture and moxibustion for allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: PICO (patient, intervention, comparator, and outcome) question survey, Delphi survey, and consensus conference of the guideline development group (GDG) were employed. PICO questionnaires were used to gather and analyze the target users' key demands and interests. The GDG then selected the critical clinical questions and outcomes via a mixed method of Delphi survey and consensus conference.Results: Fifteen potential clinical questions and ten types of outcomes were formulated based on the analysis of 123 responses from seventeen countries on five continents. After two rounds of the Delphi survey and complete discussions, a consensus was reached by the GDG that all potential questions were included. After three rounds of the Delphi survey and complete debate, the consensus was reached that nine outcomes were considered important.Conclusion: Fifteen key clinical questions and nine important outcomes were formulated for the CPG. These covered issues elicited the most attention from global users in acupuncture therapy and AR. The results will contribute to the CPGs development and future clinical studies. (c) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of World Journal of Acupuncture Moxibustion House.