A protocol for the development of PhyCaRe: An extension of the CARE guideline for physiotherapy using the Delphi...

Background Case reports are one of the important forms of documentation and publication of clinical physiotherapy presenting the first line of evidence in scientific literature. In order to provide a systematic and precise structure for reporting and presenting cases, the CAse REport (CARE) guidelines were established in 2013. However, these guidelines present limitations as reporting requires items of specific specialties following the checklist. Authors from different specialities have developed CARE extensions specifying the characteristic features of corresponding fields, however, an extension dealing with physiotherapy assessment and line of management in the CARE guidelines is proposed as Physiotherapy CAse REport (PhyCARE).

A survey will be conducted using standard e-Delphi methodology using Google forms®. ^{1 , 3 , 5} The e-Delphi questionnaire shall comprise responses on the relevance of each item of the CARE 2013 guideline with respect to physiotherapy. This shall be followed by suggestions from e-Delphi members regarding the incorporation of new items or adaptations of the existing items in the CARE 2013 statement using controlled feedback. Accordingly, based on the responses and suggestions from the e-Delphi experts, the core committee will draft the initial version of the PhyCARE checklist, which will be included in the second round of the e-Delphi process. Administration of the questionnaire as well as the sequential rounds shall continue unless a comprehensive set of findings with concurred definitions are obtained. Due to the fact that there is no requirement set for the number of e-Delphi rounds, the entire procedure will be carried out online. Subsequently, followed by pilot testing, submission of the CARE extension for physiotherapy (PhyCARE) will be conducted for publication and dissemination. The 2010 "Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting" and instructions from the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) Network will be followed in the preparation of PhyCARE guidelines. The guidelines will be propagated on different platforms and journals will be requested to adopt the guidelines.

The reporting guideline under development is prospectively registered on the EQUATOR Network website on PhyCaRe - Reporting guideline for physiotherapy case reports.