Developing clinical guidelines: how much rigour is required?. Issue 2 (13th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haroon, Munib; Ranmal, Rita; McElroy, Helen; Dudley, Jan
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 100:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2014-08-13
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Practice -- Periodicals; Children -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-305195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-0585

Abstract

Abstract : Clinical guidelines that are rigorously developed play a fundamental role in improving healthcare and reducing unnecessary variations in practice. National guidelines are increasingly used by healthcare professionals, patients and commissioners; however, national bodies are unable to meet the demand for guidance on all topics. There are fewer resources available for guidance produced locally or by specialty groups, and it is necessary to achieve a balance between pragmatism and rigour while conforming to the widely accepted norms of what constitutes a good guideline. This paper introduces the key concepts around this topic with suggestions for those interested in developing their own guideline. An example of challenges encountered in generating high-quality clinical guidance is given in box 1 .