Factors influencing the quality of clinical trials on traditional Chinese medicine— Qualitative interviews with trial auditors, clinicians and academic researchers

Journal article

Xue-yan Han, Xun Li, Ning Liang, Yuqian Yan, Ying Wang, Yutong Fei, Ying Zhang, Robinson, N. and Jian-Ping Liu (2019). Factors influencing the quality of clinical trials on traditional Chinese medicine— Qualitative interviews with trial auditors, clinicians and academic researchers. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 37, pp. 109-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.09.004
AuthorsXue-yan Han, Xun Li, Ning Liang, Yuqian Yan, Ying Wang, Yutong Fei, Ying Zhang, Robinson, N. and Jian-Ping Liu
Abstract

Background: As clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies have increased, several empirical studies have shown that the quality of TCM trials are generally low in terms of risk of bias. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the
factors influencing the quality of TCM clinical trials to provide strategic advice on trial quality improvement.
Methods: One focus group with clinical trial auditors (n=4) and six indepth semi-structured interviews with clinical research organization managers (n=2), lecturers and researchers in TCM academic institutions (n=2), a chief physician in a TCM oncology department and a PhD
candidate specialized in non-pharmaceutical TCM interventions were conducted. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.
Results: Factors that influenced the quality of TCM clinical trials merged on the following 6 themes: trial design; trialists/ participants; trial conducting; TCM specified problems; trial monitoring, and finally societal influences. The lack of expertise and time inputs of the trialists were repeatedly mentioned. Methodological difficulties experienced when conducting TCM trials included calculating sample size, analyzing
the efficacy of TCM decoctions with multiple ingredients, blinding in trials investigating non-pharmaceutical TCM interventions were highlighted. Interviewees agreed that third-party monitoring can help improving trial quality and improved participant welfare and may accelerate recruiting processes and increase compliance; however more comprehensive regulations and funding requirements would be needed.
Conclusions: This study identified real-life issues influencing the quality of TCM clinical trials from design to reporting. In addition to mandatory training for TCM trial designers and coordinators, more effective
institutional oversight is required. Future studies should explore specific measures to address the methodological problems in TCM trials and explore how the quality of TCM trials can affect further evidence synthesis and clinical practice.

KeywordsTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Clinical trial quality; Randomized Controlled Trials; Qualitative Research; Influencing factors
Year2019
JournalComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Journal citation37, pp. 109-114
PublisherElsevier
ISSN1873-6947
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.09.004
Funder/ClientNational Natural Science Foundation of China
Ministry of Education of China
Publication dates
Online13 Sep 2019
PrintNov 2019
Publication process dates
Accepted13 Sep 2019
Deposited03 Oct 2019
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
Permalink -

https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/88274

Download files

Accepted author manuscript
EU_WEST_accepted paper.pdf
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
File access level: Open

  • 176
    total views
  • 189
    total downloads
  • 0
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Trends in acupuncture for infertility: a scoping review with bibliometric and visual analysis
Tian, Z., Zhang, C., Liao, X., Yang, S., Hong, Y., Shi, A., Yan, F., Pan, T., Zhang, J., Meng, Y., Robinson, N., Bai, P. and Gang, W. (2024). Trends in acupuncture for infertility: a scoping review with bibliometric and visual analysis. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 15, p. 1351281. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2024.1351281
Chinese herbal injections in combination with radiotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Chen, Yun-Ru, Zhao, Ruo-Tong, Xu, Yi-Fang, Ma, Yin-Jie, Hu, Shao-Bo, Wang, Xue-Hui, Fan, Bing-Bing, Zhou, Yan-Ji, Huang, Yu-Bei, Robinson, Nicola, Liu, Jian-Ping and Liu, Zhao-Lan (2023). Chinese herbal injections in combination with radiotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Integrative Medicine Research. 12 (4), p. 101004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2023.101004
Traditional Chinese medicine for smoking cessation: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Lu, Chun-Li, Jin, Xin-Yan, Wang, Qian-Yun, Chen, Xiao-Ying, Zheng, Ruo-Xiang, Wang, Chao-Jie, Jiang, Jing-Jing, Qiao, Shu-Yu, Yang, Si-Hong, Zhang, Wei-Han, Chen, Si-Yi, Li, Jia-Xuan, Liu, Xue-Han, Suo, Yu-Si, Wang, Jian-Hua, Xue, Xue, Liang, Li-Rong, Robinson, Nicola and Liu, Jian-Ping (2023). Traditional Chinese medicine for smoking cessation: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Tobacco induced diseases. 21, p. 150. https://doi.org/10.18332/tid/174090
Chinese herbal medicine for drug-induced liver injury in patients with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Zhang, X-W., Li, J., Hou, W-B., Jiang, Y., Zheng, R-X., Xu, D-H., Shen, C., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2022). Chinese herbal medicine for drug-induced liver injury in patients with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Integrative Medicine Research. 12 (1), p. 100918. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2022.100918
The Effect of Auriculotherapy on Situational Anxiety Trigged by Examinations: A Randomized Pilot Trial.
Vieira, Andreia, Sousa, Paula, Moura, A., Lopes, L., Silva, Cristiane, Robinson, N., Machado, J. and Moreira, A. (2022). The Effect of Auriculotherapy on Situational Anxiety Trigged by Examinations: A Randomized Pilot Trial. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland). 10 (10), p. 1816. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101816
Systematic review and meta-analysis of Chinese herbal formula Tongxie Yaofang for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: Evidence for clinical practice and future trials.
Liang, S-B., Cao, H-J., Kong, L-Y., Wei, J-L., Robinson, ., Yang, S-H., Zhu, S-J., Li, Y-Q., Fei, Y-T., Han, M. and Liu, J-P. (2022). Systematic review and meta-analysis of Chinese herbal formula Tongxie Yaofang for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: Evidence for clinical practice and future trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 13, p. 904657. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.904657
Warm needle acupuncture for osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Jun, J.H., Choi, T-Y., Robinson, N., Park, J-Y., Jun, E-Y., Kim, K.H., Lee, H.W., Lee, M.S. and Park, S. (2022). Warm needle acupuncture for osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 106, p. 154388. https://doi.org/S0944-7113(22)00467-6
Effect of Acupoint Hot Compress on Postpartum Urinary Retention After Vaginal Delivery
Zhu, Y., Wang, F., Zhou, J., Gu, S., Gong, L., Lin, Y., Hu, X., Wang, W., Zhang, A., Ma, D., Hu, C., Wu, Y., Guo, L., Chen, L., Cen, L., He, Y., Cai, Y., Wang, E., Chen, H., Jin, J., Huang, J., Jin, M., Sun, X., Ye, X., Jiang, L., Zhang, Y., Zhang, J., Lin, J., Zhang, C., Shen, G., Jiang, W., Zhong, L., Zhou, Y., Wu, R., Lu, S., Feng, L., Guo, H., Lin, S., Chen, Q., Kong, J., Yang, X., Tang, M., Liu, C., Wang, F., Hu, X-Y. M., Lee, H. W., Xu, Xi., Zhang, R., Robinson, N., Lee, M. S., Han, J. and Qu, F. (2022). Effect of Acupoint Hot Compress on Postpartum Urinary Retention After Vaginal Delivery. JAMA Network Open. 5 (5), p. e2213261. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.13261
Barriers and Facilitators for Smoking Cessation in Chinese Smokers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Qualitative Study.
Zhang, Y-Y., Tang, W-T., Zhang, H., Wang, J., Bai, X-X., Liao, Y-H., Robinson, N. and Liu, J. (2022). Barriers and Facilitators for Smoking Cessation in Chinese Smokers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Qualitative Study. International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 17, pp. 1107-1120. https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S356935
Effectiveness and Safety of Chinese Medicine at Shenque (CV 8) for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Yan, L-J., Fang, M., Zhu, S-J., Wang, Z-J., Hu, Xiao-Y., Liang, S-B., Wang, D., Yang, D., Shen, C., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2022). Effectiveness and Safety of Chinese Medicine at Shenque (CV 8) for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-022-3319-z
Traditional Chinese Medicine for HIV-Associated Acute Herpes Zoster: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Jiang, Y., Zheng, R., Yu, Z., Zhang, X., Li, J., Lan, H., Qiao, S., Han, M., Cao, H., Robinson, N. and Liu, J. (2022). Traditional Chinese Medicine for HIV-Associated Acute Herpes Zoster: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2022, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8674648
Cochrane systematic reviews on traditional Chinese medicine: What matters-the quantity or quality of evidence?
Dai, Z., Liao, X., Wieland, L.S., Hu, J., Wang, Y., Kim, T-H., Liu, J-P., Zhan, S. and Robinson, N. (2022). Cochrane systematic reviews on traditional Chinese medicine: What matters-the quantity or quality of evidence? Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 98, p. 153921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153921
Compound glycyrrhizin injection for improving liver function in children with acute icteric hepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Liang, S-B., Hou, W-B., Zheng, R-X., Liang, C-H., Yan, L-J., Wang, H-N., Cao, H-J., Han, M., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2021). Compound glycyrrhizin injection for improving liver function in children with acute icteric hepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Integrative Medicine Research. 11 (1), p. 100772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2021.100772
Effectiveness of acupoint hot compress on early puerperal rehabilitation of parturients after natural childbirth: study protocol for a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial
Zhu, Y., Zhang, A., Liu, C., Robinson, N., Lee, S.M., Hu, X.M., Zhang, R. and Qu, F. (2021). Effectiveness of acupoint hot compress on early puerperal rehabilitation of parturients after natural childbirth: study protocol for a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology. 48 (6). https://doi.org/10.31083/j.ceog4806214
Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Care: An Overview of 5834 Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Chinese
Liu, J., Li, X., Zhou, H.-M., Zhang, C., Yang, Y-Y., Feng, R-L., Long, C-J., Deng, F-Y., Li, J-C., Cao, Z-M., Mao, Q-Y., Zhu, J-P., Hong, Y-F., Huang, S-Y., Qiu, J-Y., Liu, Y-X., Wang, Y., Yan, Y-Q., Dong, J-M., Luo, Y-X., Chen, Y-M., Guan, Y-J., Wieland, L. S., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2021). Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Care: An Overview of 5834 Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Chinese. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 20, p. 153473542110316. https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354211031650
Therapeutic effects and safety of oral Chinese patent medicine for COVID-19: A rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Liang, S-B., Fang, M., Liang, C-H., Lan, H-D., Shen, C., Yan, L-J., Hu, X-Y., Han, M., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2021). Therapeutic effects and safety of oral Chinese patent medicine for COVID-19: A rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 60, p. 102744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102744
Immediate Psychosocial Impact on Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Dong, F., Liu, H-L., Yang, M., Lu, C-L., Dai, N., Zhang, Y., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2021). Immediate Psychosocial Impact on Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645460
Chinese Herbal Medicine Xingnaojing Injection for Ischemic Stroke：An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses
Tian, Z-Y., Feng, L-D., Xie, Y., Xu, D-H., Zhang, C-Y., Kong, L-B., An, R-R., Ma, L-F., Robinson, N., Gao, Y. and L, J-P. (2021). Chinese Herbal Medicine Xingnaojing Injection for Ischemic Stroke：An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses . Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.659408
Clinical Application of Chinese Herbal Injection for Cancer Care: Evidence-Mapping of the Systematic Reviews, Meta-analyses, and Randomized Controlled Trials.
Yang, M., Zhu, S-J., Shen, C., Zhai, R., Li, D-D., Fang, M., Xu, J-N., Gan, Y-N., Yang, L., Ren, Z-Y., Zheng, R-X., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2021). Clinical Application of Chinese Herbal Injection for Cancer Care: Evidence-Mapping of the Systematic Reviews, Meta-analyses, and Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 12, p. 666368. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.666368
Eye acupuncture for pain conditions: a scoping review of clinical studies.
Chi, Y., Barth, J., Wang, M., Robinson, N., Li, Z-H. and Liu, J. (2021). Eye acupuncture for pain conditions: a scoping review of clinical studies. BMC complementary medicine and therapies. 21 (1), p. 101. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03272-8
The effect of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation and cigarette smoking initiation: An evidence-based rapid review and meta-analysis.
Zhang, Y-Y., Bu, F-L., Dong, F., Wang, J-H., Zhu, S-J., Zhang, X.-W., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2021). The effect of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation and cigarette smoking initiation: An evidence-based rapid review and meta-analysis. Tobacco induced diseases. 19, p. 04. https://doi.org/10.18332/tid/131624
Chinese herbal medicine used with or without conventional therapy for COVID-19: an evidence review of clinical studies
Liang, S-B., Zhang, Y-Y., Shen, C., Li, Y-Q., Lai, B-Y., Dai, N., Liang, C-H., Tian, Z-Y., Zhang, X-W., Jiang, Y., Xiong, M., Zhang, Y-P., Zhang, Y., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2021). Chinese herbal medicine used with or without conventional therapy for COVID-19: an evidence review of clinical studies. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.583450
Acupuncture for chronic primary pain – are UK guidelines now consistent with other countries?
Birch, Stephen, Bovey, Mark and Robinson, N. (2020). Acupuncture for chronic primary pain – are UK guidelines now consistent with other countries? European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 41, p. 101257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101257
Clinical reasoning in traditional medicine exemplified by the clinical encounter of Korean Medicine: a narrative review
Kim, T-H., Alraek, T., Bian, Z-Xi., Birch, S., Bovey, M., Lee, J., Lee, M.S., Robinson, N. and Zaslawski, C. (2020). Clinical reasoning in traditional medicine exemplified by the clinical encounter of Korean Medicine: a narrative review. Integrative Medicine Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2020.100641
Learning to breathe with Tai Chi online - qualitative data from a randomized controlled feasibility study of patients with cystic fibrosis
Ronan, P., Mian, A., Carr, S.B., Madge, S.L., Lorenc, A. and Robinson, N. (2020). Learning to breathe with Tai Chi online - qualitative data from a randomized controlled feasibility study of patients with cystic fibrosis. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 40, p. 101229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101229
Chinese herbal medicine versus probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Bu, F-L., Chen, R-L., Lin, Z-Y., Cao, H-J., Robinson, N., Liang, N. and Liu, J-P. (2020). Chinese herbal medicine versus probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 38, p. 101177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101177
Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem – a UK perspective
Hu, X.Y, Logue, M. and Robinson, N. (2020). Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem – a UK perspective. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 36, pp. 101136-101136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101136
Adding Chinese herbal medicine to probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Bu, F, Wang, W, Chen, R, Lin, Z, Han, M, Robinson, N, Liu, X, Lu, C and Liu, J (2020). Adding Chinese herbal medicine to probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences. 7 (1), pp. 20-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2020.01.004
Components of complex interventions for healthcare: A narrative synthesis of qualitative studies
Ma, S, Yu, H, Liang, N, Zhu, S, Li, X, Robinson, N and Liu, J (2020). Components of complex interventions for healthcare: A narrative synthesis of qualitative studies. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences. 7 (2), pp. 181-188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2020.04.003
Evidence Base of Clinical Studies on Qi Gong: A Bibliometric Analysis
Zhang, YP, Hu, RX, Han, M, Lai, BY, Liang, SB, Chen, BJ, Robinson, N, Chen, K and Liu, JP (2020). Evidence Base of Clinical Studies on Qi Gong: A Bibliometric Analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 50, pp. 102392-102392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102392
A systematic review of Tuina for irritable bowel syndrome: recommendations for future trials
Bu, F-L., Han, M., Lu, C-L., Liu, X-H., Wang, W-G., Lai, J-L., Qiu, X-H., He, B-X., Zhang, H., Robinson, N., Fei,Y-T. and Liu, J-P. (2020). A systematic review of Tuina for irritable bowel syndrome: recommendations for future trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 52, p. 102504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102504
Acupuncture as a treatment within integrative health for palliative care – a brief narrative review of evidence and recommendations
Birch, S., Bovey, M., Alraek, T., Robinson, N., Kim, T.H. and Lee, M.S. (2020). Acupuncture as a treatment within integrative health for palliative care – a brief narrative review of evidence and recommendations. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 26 (9). https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0032
Pediatric tuina for the treatment of anorexia in children under 14 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Liang, S-B, Lai, B-Y, Cao, H-J, Cai, Q-H, Bai, W, Zhang, Y-P, Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P (2020). Pediatric tuina for the treatment of anorexia in children under 14 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 51, p. 102411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102411
Overview on Pattern identification – history, nature and strategies for treating patients: a narrative review
Birch, S, Alraek, T, Soo Lee, M, Ah Lee, J, Zaslawski, C, Robinson, N., Kim, T-H and Bian, Z-X (2020). Overview on Pattern identification – history, nature and strategies for treating patients: a narrative review. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 35, p. 101101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101101
Motor entry point acupuncture for shoulder abduction dysfunction after stroke: a randomized controlled feasibility trial
Lin, Z., Zhang, Y., Gao, X., Xing, Y., Hu, X-Y. and Robinson, N. (2020). Motor entry point acupuncture for shoulder abduction dysfunction after stroke: a randomized controlled feasibility trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 35, p. 101073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101073
Can Chinese Medicine Be Used for Prevention of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? A Review of Historical Classics, Research Evidence and Current Prevention Programs
Luo, H., Tang, Q-L., Shang, Y-X., Liang, S-B., Yang, M., Robinson, N. and Liu, J-P. (2020). Can Chinese Medicine Be Used for Prevention of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? A Review of Historical Classics, Research Evidence and Current Prevention Programs. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-020-3192-6
The potential effects and use of Chinese herbal medicine pine pollen (Pinus Pollen) : a bibliometric analysis of pharmacological and clinical studies
Liang, S-B, Liang, N, Bu, F-L, Lai, B-Y, Zhang, Y-P, Cao, H-J, Fei, Y-T, Robinson, N and Liu, J-P (2020). The potential effects and use of Chinese herbal medicine pine pollen (Pinus Pollen) : a bibliometric analysis of pharmacological and clinical studies. World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 6 (2), pp. 163-170. https://doi.org/10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_4_20
Acupuncture for stroke: perceptions and possibilities
Robinson, N., Ye, Tian, Ronan, Patricia, Garbelli, P. and Smithard, David (2020). Acupuncture for stroke: perceptions and possibilities. Acupuncture in medicine. 38 (3), pp. 158-168. https://doi.org/10.1177/0964528419901129
How do acupuncture practitioners use pattern identification – An international web-based survey?
Robinson, N, Bovey, M, Lee, JA, Zaslawski, C, Tian, P, Kim, TH, Alraek, T, Bian, ZX, Lee, MS and Birch, S (2019). How do acupuncture practitioners use pattern identification – An international web-based survey? European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 32, pp. 100997-100997. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2019.100997
An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta analyses on Acupuncture for Post-acute Stroke Dysphagia
Tian, Z-Y., Liao, X., Gao, Y., Liang, S-B., Zhang, C-Y., X, D-H., Liu, J-P. and Robinson, N. (2019). An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta analyses on Acupuncture for Post-acute Stroke Dysphagia. Geriatrics. 4 (4). https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics4040068
Chinese herbal medicine for patients living with HIV in Guangxi province, China: an analysis of two registries
Sun, J., Jiang, F., Wen, B., Liu, Z-W., Han, M., Robinson, N., McGrath, N., Fei, Y-T., Zhang, Y., Li, J., Li, W-Y., Deng, X. and Liu, J-P. (2019). Chinese herbal medicine for patients living with HIV in Guangxi province, China: an analysis of two registries. Scientific Reports. 9, p. 17444. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-53725-x
A UK support network for maternity acupuncture: A survey of acupuncturists on the Acupuncture (For Conception to) Childbirth Team (ACT)
Betts, D., Armour, M. and Robinson, N. (2019). A UK support network for maternity acupuncture: A survey of acupuncturists on the Acupuncture (For Conception to) Childbirth Team (ACT). Medical Acupuncture. 31 (5), pp. 274-280. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2019.1386
Clinical effects and safety of Compound Glutamine Entersoluble Capsules for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Liang, S-B., Liang, C-H., Yang, S-H., Li, Y-Q., Tian, Z-Y., Robinson, N. and Liu, J. (2019). Clinical effects and safety of Compound Glutamine Entersoluble Capsules for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2019.101005
Comparative efficacy of oral traditional Chinese patent medicine for acute cerebral infarction: protocol for network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Cui, R., Xing, L., Robinson, N., Yu, D., Zhao, J. and Zhao, H. (2019). Comparative efficacy of oral traditional Chinese patent medicine for acute cerebral infarction: protocol for network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2019.100977
An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture for Dysphagia Post-acute Stroke: a protocol
Tian, Z-Y, Liao, X., Gao, Y., Liang, S-B., Zhang, C-Y., Xu, D-H., Liu, J-P. and Robinson, N. (2019). An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture for Dysphagia Post-acute Stroke: a protocol . European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 30, p. 100956. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2019.100956
The Use of Pattern Differentiation in WHO-Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Trials – a systematic review
Zhang, X., Tian, R., Zhao, C., Birch, S., Lee, J.A., Alraek, T., Bovey, M., Zaslawski, C., Robinson, N., Kim, T-H., Lee, M.S. and Bian, Z-X. (2019). The Use of Pattern Differentiation in WHO-Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Trials – a systematic review. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 30, p. 100945. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2019.100945
Evaluation of outcomes reported in randomized controlled trials for herbal remedies for adults with chronic hepatitis C
Liu, J-P, Robinson, N., Liang, N, Liang, S, Yan, Y and Sun, Y (2019). Evaluation of outcomes reported in randomized controlled trials for herbal remedies for adults with chronic hepatitis C. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences. 6 (2), pp. 115-121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2019.03.002
Children and Adults Tai Chi Study: a randomised feasibility study comparing internet delivered with face to face Tai Chi lessons in cystic fibrosis
Carr, S.B., Ronan, P., Lorenc, A., Mian, A., Madge, S. and Robinson, N. (2018). Children and Adults Tai Chi Study: a randomised feasibility study comparing internet delivered with face to face Tai Chi lessons in cystic fibrosis. European Respiratory Journal. 4 (4). https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00042-2018
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation alleviates the anxiety levels of IVF: a prospective, randomized and controlled study
Xing, L-F, Wu, Y, Wang, F-F, Zhu, Y-H, Ma, C-M, Yan, Y-Y, Sun, S-J, Pan, J-X, Robinson, N., Hardiman, P and Qu, F (2018). Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation alleviates the anxiety levels of IVF: a prospective, randomized and controlled study. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 20, pp. 126-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2018.05.003
Effects of acupuncture during in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Zhang, X, Lee, MS, Smith, CA, Robinson, N., Zhou, Y, Wu, Y, Mao, Y-Y and Qu, F (2018). Effects of acupuncture during in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 23, pp. 14-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2018.09.001
Factors that influence patients’ decisions to discontinue with an acupuncture service—A qualitative study
Zanardelli, I and Robinson, N. (2018). Factors that influence patients’ decisions to discontinue with an acupuncture service—A qualitative study. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 25, pp. 92-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2018.12.004
If music be the food of life – play on ?
Bonde, LO and Robinson, N. (2017). If music be the food of life – play on ? European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 9 (1).
Women’s health and Chinese integrative medicine
Qu, F, Wang, FF, Robinson, N. and Hardiman, P (2017). Women’s health and Chinese integrative medicine. Journal of Zhejiang University: Science B. 18 (3), pp. 183-185. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B17ed001
TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL ACUPOINT STIMULATION IMPROVES THE OUTCOMES OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED AND CONTROLLED STUDY
Qu, F, Wang, F-F, Wu, Y, Zhou, J, Robinson, N., Hardiman, P, Pan, J-X, He, Y-J, Zhu, Y-H, Wang, H-Z, Ye, X-Q, He, K-L, Cui, L, Zhao, H-L and Ye, Y-H (2017). TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL ACUPOINT STIMULATION IMPROVES THE OUTCOMES OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED AND CONTROLLED STUDY. Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing. 13 (5), pp. 306-312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2017.06.004
The effects of acupuncture on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Qu, F., Yan, W., Hu, X-Y., Barry, J.A., Zhou, J., Wang, F-F., Ye, Y-H., Han, S-P., Li, R., Taw, M.B., Hardiman, P.J. and Robinson, N. (2016). The effects of acupuncture on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 8 (1), pp. 12-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.02.001
The role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in sexual and reproductive health
Qidwai, W, Wong, W, Nanji, K and Robinson, N. (2016). The role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in sexual and reproductive health. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 8 (1), pp. 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.02.003
The Importance of Evidence for the Integration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine into Western Healthcare?
Robinson, N. (2016). The Importance of Evidence for the Integration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine into Western Healthcare? World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2 (1), pp. 74 - 79. https://doi.org/10.15806/j.issn.2311-8571.2015.0029
Harmonising data collection from osteoarthritis studies to enable stratification: Recommendations on core data collection from an Arthritis Research UK clinical studies group
Kingsbury, SR, Corp, N, Watt, FE, Felson, DT, O'Neill, TW, Holt, CA, Jones, RK, Conaghan, PG, Arden, NK, Adams, J, Appleyard, I, Birrell, F, Blank, M, Callaghan, MJ, Cumming, J, Chapman, GJ, Halstead, J, Hamilton, DF, Hurley, M, Martin, K, Mason, DJ, Nuki, G, Redmond, AC, Reilly, K, Robinson, N., Roddy, E, Simpson, H, Smith, TO, Thomas, C, Thomas, E, Wilkinson, J and Wise, E (2016). Harmonising data collection from osteoarthritis studies to enable stratification: Recommendations on core data collection from an Arthritis Research UK clinical studies group. Rheumatology (United Kingdom). 55 (8), pp. 1394-1402. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kew201
Introducing “Evidence for clinical practice” [Editorial]
Alper, BS, Malone-Moses, M, Manheimer, EW and Robinson, N. (2016). Introducing “Evidence for clinical practice” [Editorial]. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 8 (3), pp. 147-149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.04.008
Pediatric integrative medicine needs research evidence to guide decision-making
Gardiner, P and Robinson, N. (2016). Pediatric integrative medicine needs research evidence to guide decision-making. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 8 (2), pp. 79 - 80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.03.015
Bromelain and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Diabetes: An Exploratory Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double Blind Clinical Trial
Ley, C., NI, Q, Liao, X, Gao, H-L and Robinson, N. (2016). Bromelain and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Diabetes: An Exploratory Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double Blind Clinical Trial. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 22 (10), pp. 728-737. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-016-2521-2
General Practitioners’ use of and attitudes to acupuncture in relation to the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines—A pilot study
Czarnawska-Iliev, I and Robinson, N. (2016). General Practitioners’ use of and attitudes to acupuncture in relation to the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines—A pilot study. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 8 (4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.07.004
Evidence is in the Eye of the Beholder: The case of the 2016 draft NICE Guidelines for Low Back Pain [editorial]
Hopper Koppelman, M, Bovey, M and Robinson, N. (2016). Evidence is in the Eye of the Beholder: The case of the 2016 draft NICE Guidelines for Low Back Pain [editorial]. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 8 (4).
Common mistakes when using plant names and how to avoid them
Dauncey, EA, Irving, J, Allkin, R and Robinson, N. (2016). Common mistakes when using plant names and how to avoid them. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 8 (5), pp. 597-601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.09.005
Integrating acupuncture: are there positive health outcomes for women?
Robinson, N. (2016). Integrating acupuncture: are there positive health outcomes for women? Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE B (Biomedicine & Biotechnology). 18 (3), pp. 233-238. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B1600260
Is traditional Chinese medicine recommended in Western medicine clinicalpractice guidelines in China? A systematic analysis.
Ren, J, Xun, Li, Sun,, J, Han, M, Yang, G-Y., Li, W-Y., Robinson, N. and Lewith, G. (2015). Is traditional Chinese medicine recommended in Western medicine clinicalpractice guidelines in China? A systematic analysis. BMJ Open. 5 (6), pp. e006572-e006572. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006572
Traditional Chinese Medicine - challenges for research
Robinson, N. (2015). Traditional Chinese Medicine - challenges for research. in: McCarthy, P.W. and Langweiler, M. (ed.) Methodologies for Effectively Assessing Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) London Singing Dragon.
Acupuncture for the treatment of phantom limb syndrome in lower limb amputees: a randomised controlled feasibility study
Trevelyan, EG, Turner, WA, Summerfield-Mann, L and Robinson, N. (2015). Acupuncture for the treatment of phantom limb syndrome in lower limb amputees: a randomised controlled feasibility study. Trials. 16, p. 158. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-0668-3
The politics of integrative medicine: The case of CAM
Saks, M and Robinson, N. (2015). The politics of integrative medicine: The case of CAM. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 7 (6), pp. 557-560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2015.11.019
GAP: From sound design to practical implementation in clinical trials for traditional chinese medicine
Shang, H, Zhang, B, Bian, Z, Li, Y, Clarke, M and Robinson, N (2014). GAP: From sound design to practical implementation in clinical trials for traditional chinese medicine. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014, pp. 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/560838
The quest for modernisation of traditional Chinese medicine
Xu, Q, Bauer, R, Hendry, BM, Fan, TP, Zhao, Z, Duez, P, Simmonds, MSJ, Witt, CM, Lu, A, Robinson, N, Guo, DA and Hylands, PJ (2013). The quest for modernisation of traditional Chinese medicine. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 13 (1), pp. 132-. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-132
A systematic review of experimental and clinical acupuncture in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Franconi, G, Manni, L, Schröder, S, Marchetti, P and Robinson, N. (2013). A systematic review of experimental and clinical acupuncture in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM). 2013, p. 516916. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/516916
The evidence for Shiatsu: A systematic review of Shiatsu and acupressure
Robinson, N, Lorenc, A and Liao, X (2011). The evidence for Shiatsu: A systematic review of Shiatsu and acupressure. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 11 (1), pp. 88-. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-88
The RCCM 2009 survey: Mapping doctoral and postdoctoral CAM research in the United Kingdom
Robinson, N and Lewith, G (2011). The RCCM 2009 survey: Mapping doctoral and postdoctoral CAM research in the United Kingdom. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011, pp. 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nep184
How parents choose to use CAM: A systematic review of theoretical models
Lorenc, A, Ilan-Clarke, Y, Robinson, N and Blair, M (2009). How parents choose to use CAM: A systematic review of theoretical models. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 9 (1), pp. 9-. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-9-9