Quality assessment of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine guidelines for dysmetabolism of glucose and lipid: based on AGREE II and RIGHT tools

Objective: To evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of integrated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine guidelines addressing dysglycemia and dyslipidemia, thereby offering evidence-based recommendations for optimizing clinical decision-making in these conditions. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify clinical practiceguidelines (CPGs) for the management of dysglycemia and dyslipidemia. The search encompassed academic databases and specialized guideline repositories from their inception to December 31, 2024. Three researchers independently assessed the quality of the included CPGs using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) and the RIGHT (Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare) checklist. Results: Based on the AGREE II evaluation, the mean scores across the six domains were as follows: scope and purpose (91.8%), stakeholder involvement (81.7%), rigor of development (66.1%), clarity of presentation (96.0%), applicability (55.4%), and editorial independence (74.1%). Assessment using the RIGHT checklist yielded the following average reporting completeness rates for its seven domains: basic information (83.3%), background (69.3%), evidence (54.2%), recommendations (64.3%), review and quality assurance (39.6%), funding and declaration and management of interests (46.9%), and other aspects (41.7%). Conclusion: This study identified significant deficiencies in existing guidelines, particularly regarding methodological rigor, applicability, transparency of evidence reporting, funding disclosure, and clarification of future research priorities. To better inform clinical practice and improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with dysglycemia and dyslipidemia, future efforts should prioritize developing a dedicated evaluation framework for integrated TCM-Western medicine guidelines, advancing the GRADE-TCM system to improve the translation and grading of TCM evidence, establishing multidisciplinary teams that integrate clinical expertise, evidence-based methodology, and health economics, and integrating cost-effectiveness analyses with patient preference assessments into the recommendation formulation process.