Home-based traditional Chinese medicine nursing interventions for discharged patients with COVID-19: a rapid review of Chinese guidelines

Abstract

Background: The aim of this review was to comprehensively summarize and analyze the current guidelines on home-based traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing interventions for discharged patients with COVID-19.

Methods: Eight data sources were searched until June 28, 2020. The frequency of home-based TCM nursing interventions and the use of specific acupuncture points recommended in Chinese guidelines for discharged COVID-19 patients were computed and analyzed.

Results: In total, we identified 5 Chinese guidelines that provide for home-based TCM nursing interventions for discharged patients with COVID-19. Moxibustion and acupressure were singled out as the most frequently used intervention of the 11 home-based TCM nursing interventions recommended by these guidelines. RN12 and ST36 were the 2 most promoted acupuncture points for moxibustion and acupressure interventions for these patients.

Conclusions: The present review showed the important role of home-based TCM nursing interventions for discharged COVID-19 patients. However, direct evidence of their efficacy is still insufficient.

Keywords: COVID-19; Nursing; home-based TCM.