Guideline organizations' guidance documents paper 10: developing recommendations about diagnostic tests and
Vanessa Helou1, Lynn Basbous2, Reem A Mustafa3
1Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Background And Objectives:
Diagnostic tests are central to clinical decision-making, but the rigor and consistency of guidelines that inform their use remain unclear. This study aimed to describe processes for developing recommendations about diagnostic tests and strategies as outlined in guidance documents of guideline-producing organizations.
Methods:
We conducted a descriptive summary of guidance documents from guideline-producing organizations. We first compiled a list of eligible organizations using different sources and retrieved their guidance documents on practice guideline development. Two authors screened organizations and their documents in duplicate and independently. We abstracted information on whether organizations provided guidance on developing recommendations about diagnostic tests and strategies for each of the Guideline International Network McMaster Guideline Development Checklist topics and their corresponding details.
Results:
Out of 133 guideline-producing organizations identified, 44 (33%) described processes for developing recommendations about diagnostic tests and strategies in their guidance documents. The majority of these organizations were professional (52%) and were at the national level (80%). The median number of topics for which guidance specific to diagnostic tests and strategies was provided was 1 (range = 1-5). The topics most frequently addressed were "judging the quality, strength, or certainty of evidence" (55%) and "question generation" (32%). Topics not addressed by any organization were "establishing guideline group processes," "identifying target audience and topic selection," "consumer and stakeholder involvement, " "conflict of interest considerations," "dissemination and implementation," and "updating."
Conclusion:
A minority of guideline-producing organizations' guidance documents mentioned specific processes for developing recommendations for diagnostic tests and strategies. Further refinement of guidance tailored to diagnostic tests is needed to improve practice guideline development processes.
More Related Videos
06:15Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
06:16Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
01:30Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:27Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
01:18Guidelines and Strategies for Safe Computer Charting
Maintain Confidentiality and Security: