Diagram 2: Flow chart of the NHMRC’s development process for evidence-based guidelines Define topic/issue Assess need for guidelines, eg: ●● ●●
is issue related to clinical decision making? are there suitable existing guidelines?
Lodge proposal with NHMRC to consider approval of proposed guidelines
Convene multi-disciplinary committee to develop guidelines Develop health care questions appropriate for intended guidelines Identify (or commission) systematic reviews of the scientific literature relating to these health care questions. Identify, appraise and collate evidence of the impact of socioeconomic position (SEP) in relation to condition of interest. Assess evidence for: ●● ●● ●● ●●
strength quality size of effect relevance
Apply evidence to clinical/health care situation to determine benefits/harms
Compare costs and benefits of health care interventions
Apply evidence to clinical/health care situation to determine cost-effectiveness and feasibility
Develop evidence-based guidelines or update existing guidelines Consultation, then submit guidelines to NHMRC for approval
Disseminate and implement guidelines Develop publication(s) to target other stakeholders, eg consumers, general practitioners, allied health Maintain, evaluate and update guidelines
NHMRC standards and procedures for externally developed guidelines Updated September 2007
International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome 2018
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