Expert consensus on quality control indicators of integrative medicine in primary Sjögren's syndrome (2023 version)

Abstract

Treatment integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) has yielded positive results and gained wide acceptance. However, the absence of standardized clinical management in certain regions has led to suboptimal outcomes in the diagnosis and treatment of pSS in China. In response, the Center for Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, in collaboration with the Beijing Association of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Rheumatology Professional Committee, initiated a project led by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism. The project (Beijing Association of the Integrating of Traditional and Western Medicine standardization expert consensus record number: 2021Z031A3) aims to develop a set of quality control indicators for the integrated treatment of pSS using traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Based on the 2021 version, the consensus revision incorporates seven new items, focusing on essential assessment areas for pSS patients, treatment response, and healthcare cost management. The 2023 expert consensus update seeks to enhance pSS diagnosis and treatment practices in China, offering a benchmark for medical quality control.