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Implementation plans included in World Health Organisation guidelines
Zhicheng Wang1, Susan L Norris2, Lisa Bero3,4
1Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Implementation Science : IS
|May 22, 2016
Summary
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines often neglect evidence-based active implementation strategies, favoring passive or policy approaches. Future WHO guidelines need stronger, detailed implementation guidance for better clinical practice and public health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
Background:
- High-quality guidelines are crucial for improving clinical practice and public health.
- World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines are widely adopted globally.
- Effective implementation plans are necessary for local adaptation and use of WHO guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze implementation plans within WHO guidelines.
- To identify evidence-based implementation strategies in WHO guidelines.
- To assess the reporting of implementation techniques in WHO guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Content analysis of the implementation sections of 123 WHO guidelines (2007-2015).
- Coding of implementation techniques using the Cochrane EPOC taxonomy (passive, active, policy strategies).
- Frequency analysis of reported implementation techniques.
Main Results:
- WHO guidelines (n=123) mentioned implementation techniques 800 times, often briefly.
- Passive (21%) and general policy (62%) strategies were most frequent.
- Evidence-based active methods, like reminders or multifaceted approaches, were largely neglected.
Conclusions:
- WHO guidelines should incorporate stronger, evidence-based implementation guidance.
- Increased detail on implementation considerations and adaptation is needed.
- Structured options for evidence-based implementation strategies should be included.