Objective

2

To reveal the gap between the evidence of systematic reviews (SRs) and clinical concerns by systematically summarizing the evidence on acupuncture and moxibustion for frozen shoulder and investigating the concerns and needs of clinicians in treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion for this disease.

Methods

2

The articles of SR and Meta-analysis on acupuncture and moxibustion for frozen shoulder were searched from CNKI

Wanfang

VIP

SinoMed

PubMed

EMbase and Cochrane Library

starting from the inception of each database up to December 31st

2022. Two researchers screened the articles and extracted data independently. Using AMSTAR-2

the methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated. Based on systematic reviews and expert discussion

a questionnaire on clinical concerns of acupuncture and moxibustion for frozen shoulder was developed and distributed to clinicians. The discrepancies between the evidence and clinical concerns were compared from 5 dimensions

including population

interventions

control measures

outcome indicators and review time points.

Results

2

The evidence gaps existed between SRs and clinical concerns. In the existing studies

the needs of personalized treatment were not fully considered in terms of different syndromes/patterns of frozen shoulder and stages of illness

the outcome indicators were not employed properly

the time for outcome measurement was vague

the control groups were set up outside of standardization

and the methodological quality was lower.

Conclusion

2

It is suggested that future studies should improve the quality of methodology

lay more consideration to different patient groups

optimize outcome indicators and standardize the setting of control groups

so as to better meet the needs of patients and achieve the best match between evidence and clinicians' needs.