[The DEGAM-concept--development, dissemination, implementation and evaluation of guidelines for general practice]

Area of Science:

• General Practice and Family Medicine
• Health Services Research
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Context:

• The German Society for General Practice/Family Medicine (DEGAM) initiated a project to establish national guidelines for general practice.
• Guidelines are crucial for informed decision-making in healthcare, balancing appropriateness, effectiveness, and efficiency.
• International models guide the development of these primary care guidelines.

Purpose:

• To develop and implement national guidelines for general practice in Germany.
• To ensure guidelines are evidence-based, feasible for primary care settings, and relevant to physicians, practice staff, and patients.
• To establish a structured, multi-stage development program with rigorous appraisal and expert input.

Summary:

• DEGAM's guideline development follows a 10-stage program, involving medical evidence appraisal, input from experienced general practitioners, and specialist reviews.
• Methodological quality is assessed using German Agency for Quality Assurance standards, a first for guidelines in Germany.
• Implementation is supported by at least five tools, including full texts, quick reference guides, patient leaflets, and 'infozepts'.

Impact:

• Enhances the quality and consistency of primary healthcare delivery in Germany.
• Empowers healthcare providers and patients with evidence-based information for decision-making.
• Establishes a robust framework for guideline development and evaluation in primary care, setting a national standard.