Table 4_Outcomes reported in randomized controlled trials of traditional Chinese medicine for chronic pharyngitis: a scoping review.docx

Clinical symptoms and signs were the most frequently assessed outcomes, whereas health-related quality of life, economic outcomes, and long-term outcomes were rarely evaluated. Overall, outcome assessment was predominantly focused on short-term treatment effects, while adverse events, patient-reported outcomes, and extended follow-up remained insufficiently represented. Notably, none of the 69 trials reporting adverse reactions clearly specified the time points at which these outcomes were assessed.</p>Conclusion<p>Substantial heterogeneity in outcome selection, measurement, and reporting limits the comparability of RCTs evaluating TCM interventions for chronic pharyngitis and complicates evidence synthesis.

By systematically characterizing current outcome practices and identifying important reporting gaps, this review provides an empirical foundation for the development of a COS for chronic pharyngitis. Adoption of a COS could promote greater consistency in outcome selection, measurement, and reporting, thereby improving the comparability, transparency, and clinical relevance of future trials.</p>