CARE extension guideline for acupuncture case reports

Existing reporting checklists lack the specificity and comprehensiveness required to effectively guide the documentation of acupuncture case reports. Therefore, we developed a reporting guideline tailored specifically for acupuncture case reports, building upon the CAse REport (CARE) statement. A multidisciplinary group of international experts including clinicians, researchers and methodologists was convened to draft the initial checklist in accordance with the methodology recommended by the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) network. Through an extensive literature review and a series of expert interviews, the final CARE for acupuncture checklist comprised of 30 items. 38 experts from diverse disciplines participated in three rounds of modified Delphi surveys to refine and clarify these items. CARE for acupuncture is a comprehensive reporting guideline focused on acupuncture case reports developed with rigorous methodology. We hope that CARE for acupuncture will further guide authors, editors, peer reviewers and readers to enhance the transparency, completeness and accuracy of reporting of case reports in acupuncture.