[Mexican Asthma Guidelines: GUIMA 2017].

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine
• Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Health Policy

Background:

• A unified national guideline for asthma management was needed in Mexico to standardize care among specialists and primary care physicians.
• Existing high-quality international asthma guidelines were identified as potential sources for adaptation.
• The goal was to create a guideline with broad acceptance among Mexican healthcare providers.

Framework:

• The ADAPTE methodology was employed for guideline transculturation.
• A systematic literature search identified asthma guidelines published between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015.
• AGREE-II evaluations selected the three most suitable guidelines for adaptation.

Implementation:

• Evidence from the British Thoracic Society Asthma Guideline 2014, Global Initiative on Asthma 2015, and Guía Española del Manejo del Asma 2015 was synthesized.
• The guideline was adapted considering local realities, patient preferences, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
• A Delphi process involving physicians from 12 national medical societies and face-to-face meetings refined the document through multiple rounds.

Implications:

• An evidence-based document for asthma prevention, diagnosis, and exacerbation management was successfully developed.
• Collaboration among pulmonologists, allergists, ENT physicians, pediatricians, and general practitioners ensured comprehensive input.
• The finalized guideline aims to improve asthma care consistency and outcomes across Mexico.