Bringing two worlds closer together: a critical analysis of an integrated approach to guideline development and quality assurance schemes

Thomas Piggott, Miranda Langendam, Elena Parmelli, Jan Adolfsson, Elie A. Akl, David Armstrong, Jeffrey Braithwaite, Romina Brignardello-Petersen, Jan Brozek, Jolanta Gore-Booth, Markus Follmann, Zbigniew Leś, Joerg J. Meerpohl, Luciana Neamţiu, Monika Nothacker, Amir Qaseem, Paolo Giorgi Rossi, Zuleika Saz-Parkinson, Philip van der Wees, Holger J. Schünemann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Although quality indicators are frequently derived from guidelines, there is a substantial gap in collaboration between the corresponding parties. To optimise workflow, guideline recommendations and quality assurance should be aligned methodologically and practically. Learning from the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer (ECIBC), our objective was to bring the key knowledge and most important considerations from both worlds together to inform European Commission future initiatives. Methods: We undertook several steps to address the problem. First, we conducted a feasibility study that included a survey, interviews and a review of manuals for an integrated guideline and quality assurance (QA) scheme that would support the European Commission. The feasibility study drew from an assessment of the ECIBC experience that followed commonly applied strategies leading to separation of the guideline and QA development processes. Secondly, we used results of a systematic review to inform our understanding of methodologies for integrating guideline and QA development. We then, in a third step, used the findings to prepare an evidence brief and identify key aspects of a methodological framework for integrating guidelines QA through meetings with key informants. Results: Seven key themes emerged to be taken into account for integrating guidelines and QA schemes: (1) evidence-based integrated guideline and QA frameworks are possible, (2) transparency is key in clearly documenting the source and rationale for quality indicators, (3) intellectual and financial interests should be declared and managed appropriately, (4) selection processes and criteria for quality indicators need further refinement, (5) clear guidance on retirement of quality indicators should be included, (6) risks of an integrated guideline and QA Group can be mitigated, and (7) an extension of the GIN-McMaster Guideline Development Checklist should incorporate QA considerations. Discussion: We concluded that the work of guideline and QA developers can be integrated under a common methodological framework and we provided key findings and recommendations. These two worlds, that are fundamental to improving health, can both benefit from integration.
Original languageEnglish
Article number172
JournalBMC Health Services Research
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2021

Keywords

  • Guidelines
  • Healthcare quality
  • Quality assurance
  • Quality improvement
  • Quality indicators
  • Recommendations
  • Tools

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