Developing trustworthy recommendations as part of an urgent response (1-2 weeks): a GRADE concept paper

Akl, E. A. et al. (2021) Developing trustworthy recommendations as part of an urgent response (1-2 weeks): a GRADE concept paper. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 129, pp. 1-11. (doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.09.037) (PMID:33010401) (PMCID:PMC7526592)

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to propose an approach for developing trustworthy recommendations as part of urgent responses (1–2 week) in the clinical, public health, and health systems fields. Study Design and Setting: We conducted a review of the literature, outlined a draft approach, refined the concept through iterative discussions, a workshop by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Rapid Guidelines project group, and obtained feedback from the larger Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group. Results: A request for developing recommendations within 2 week is the usual trigger for an urgent response. Although the approach builds on the general principles of trustworthy guideline development, we highlight the following steps: (1) assess the level of urgency; (2) assess feasibility; (3) set up the organizational logistics; (4) specify the question(s); (5) collect the information needed; (6) assess the adequacy of identified information; (7) develop the recommendations using one of the 4 potential approaches: adopt existing recommendations, adapt existing recommendations, develop new recommendations using existing adequate systematic review, or develop new recommendations using expert panel input; and (8) consider an updating plan. Conclusion: An urgent response for developing recommendations requires building a cohesive, skilled, and highly motivated multidisciplinary team with the necessary clinical, scientific, and methodological expertise; adapting to shifting needs; complying with the principles of transparency; and properly managing conflicts of interest.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Katikireddi, Professor Vittal
• Authors: Akl, E. A., Morgan, R. L., Rooney, A., Beverly, B., Katikireddi, S. V., Agarwal, A., Alper, B. S., Alva, C., Amato, L., Ansari, M. T., Brozek, J., Chu, D. K., Dahm, P., Darzi, A. J., Falavigna, M., Gartlehner, G., Pardo-Hernandez, H., King, V., Klugarová, J., Langendam, M., Lockwood, C., Mammen, M., Mathioudakis, A. G., McCaul, M., Meerpohl, J. J., Minozzi, S., Mustafa, R. A., Nonino, F., Piggott, T., Qaseem, A., Riva, J., Rodin, R., Sekercioglu, N., Skoetz, N., Traversy, G., Thayer, K., and Schünemann, H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0895-4356
• ISSN (Online): 1878-5921
• Published Online: 30 September 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 129:1-11
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons Licence

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
72765	1	Measuring and Analysing Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health	Alastair Leyland	Medical Research Council (MRC)	MC_UU_12017/13	HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
72765	1	Measuring and Analysing Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health	Alastair Leyland	Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)	SPHSU13	HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
172690		Understanding the impacts of welfare policy on health: A novel data linkage study	Srinivasa Katikireddi	Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)	SCAF/15/02	SHW - Public Health