A protocol for developing a clinical practice guideline for treating dysphagia after stroke using acupuncture

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Dysphagia or trouble swallowing is experienced by many stroke survivors at some point after experiencing a stroke, warranting the need for treatment. As a complementary approach, acupuncture may be able to effectively treat dysphagia after stroke. However, the lack of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) has prompted the need for a publication regarding the guidance on acupuncture used for the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. Methods A new CPG will be developed in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II), Reporting Items for practice Guideline in HealThcare (RIGHT) and within the framework of the Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), and recommendations thereof will be made on the basis of systematic reviews. We will establish a Guideline Development Group, draft clinical questions in light of Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO), conduct a literature search and appraise the quality of evidence. Following two or three rounds of modified Delphi surveys, we will ask patients about their values and preferences, conduct peer review and note patients’ declarations of interest in developing CPG. Results This study is ongoing, so there are no results to report. Conclusions These guidelines will enable clinical acupuncturists achieve better results in treating post-stroke dysphagia with acupuncture.