Guidelines
I am extremely familiar with the process of developing evidence-based guidelines, having been involved in a number of approaches to guideline development:
- drafting guidelines from scratch based on systematic literature review(s) and advice from expert advisory groups
- adapting overseas guidelines, including analysing them using the AGREE instrument; assessing their content, structure and format; and ensuring that the final document is suitable to the Australian setting
- updating existing Australian guidelines so that current evidence, policy and program delivery are reflected
- reviewing guidelines developed by third parties to ensure methodological soundness.
I have considerable experience in the processes required to ensure that guidelines accurately reflect current evidence, the findings of the expert advisory group and comments provided through targeted and public consultation and have frequently worked in consultation with methodologists and collaborated with researchers undertaking systematic reviews.
My involvement in targeted or public consultation for a number of guidelines has included:
- attending and writing up community and health professional workshops
- summarising and analysing submissions to identify key areas for expert advisory group consideration
- providing editorial advice on changes to the draft document in response to consultation submissions
- synthesising and documenting expert advisory group discussions of submissions
- revising the draft document to reflect comments while maintaining its integrity.
Examples of clinical practice guidelines
WHO recommendations on antenatal corticosteroids to improve preterm birth outcomes
WHO recommendation on tocolytic therapy to improve preterm birth outcomes
Clinical practice guidelines: Pregnancy care — 2012 to 2020 editions
Mental health in the perinatal period: Australian clinical practice guidelines
Clinical practice guidelines: Depression in adolescents and young adults
Examples of other guidelines
Ehical guidelines for organ transplantation from deceased donors (in progress)
Australian guidelines for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare
Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from alcohol
Organ and tissue donation by living donors: Guidelines for ethical practice for health professionals
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