Factors influencing the quality of acupuncture clinical trials: a qualitative interview of stakeholders

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influencing factors on the quality of acupuncture clinical trials from the stakeholders, and to provide references for improving the quality of acupuncture clinical trials. METHODS: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was performed. Experts, acupuncturists, editors, and patients were interviewed. The interview results were thematically analyzed from transcribed audio recordings. RESULTS: A total of 38 stakeholders were interviewed, including 12 experts, 14 acupuncturists, 2 editors, and 10 patients. There were 25 tree nodes and 106 sub-nodes, with 1141 reference points. The key factors influencing the quality of acupuncture clinical trials could be divided into five core theme frameworks: a) trial design, b) trial conduction, c) research results reporting and publication, d) research evidence dissemination, and e) research evidence transformation and application. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal that to improve the quality of acupuncture trials, it should consider each step of trial design, trial conduction, research results reporting and publication, research evidence dissemination, and research evidence transformation and application. A guideline for quality control of the whole process of acupuncture clinical trials is needed.