Reliability of the evidence to guide decision-making in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with acupuncture: protocol for an overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND

Growing numbers of randomized clinical trials-based systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). An overview of SRs/MAs will be conducted with the aim of systematically compiling, evaluating, and synthesizing the evidence regarding acupuncture for GERD.

METHODS

SRs/MAs of acupuncture on GERD will be searched in eight databases. Two independent reviewers will conduct the literature search, data extraction, and review quality assessment. Utilizing the AMSTAR-2 tool, PRISMA checklists, and GRADE system, respectively, the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality will be evaluated. In relation to the subject and the overview's objects, the results will be given. This study will aid in identifying gaps between evidence and its clinical application and serve as a roadmap for further high-quality research.

DISCUSSION: The results of the overview will aid in closing the gap between clinical evidence and its use in clinical practice. This study will identify significant faults in the use of evidence, point out areas where methodology needs to be improved, and provide guidance for future high-quality research.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022371850.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not necessary because no personal information about individuals is collected. A peer-reviewed journal or pertinent conferences will publish the results, whichever comes first.