Quality of reporting Shang Han Lun educational research: a systematics review

To evaluate the reporting quality of original studies in Shang Han Lun education. Methods: Eight English databases relating to medicine and medical education and three Chinese databases were searched using Shang Han Lun, Chinese medicine classic literature, education, teaching and learning and their synonyms as keywords. Research reports of educational interventions in Shang Han Lun teaching and learning in Chinese medicine programs were included (English and Chinese). Information on reporting structure was extracted and reporting quality was assessed by two independent authors using a pre-defined checklist. Results: 163 papers were identified. Eleven papers in Chinese were included in the data analysis. Their structures were varied and generally unclear. Research reporting was also insufficient, in numerous cases, since essential elements, such as research question, rationale, research design, intervention, evaluation and results, were not provided. Conclusion: Reporting quality of Shang Han Lun educational research was generally very poor. Reporting standards should be established and a checklist of reporting criteria is recommended for future study.