ACCP Evidence-Based Guideline Development: A Successful and Transparent Approach Addressing Conflict of Interest, Funding, and Patient-Centered Recommendations
A Successful and Transparent Approach Addressing Conflict of Interest, Funding, and Patient-Centered Recommendations
Michael H. Baumann, Sandra Zelman Lewis and David Gutterman
Abstract
Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (EBGs) can provide an invaluable distillation of knowledge regarding best practices based on the available evidence. EBGs, providing accurate and useful guidance to best clinical practices, require a rigorous development process. The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) has developed a process that embodies transparency, thoroughness, and timeliness, and effective conflict-of-interest management, and it continues to evolve. This process employs a quantitative and rigorous grading of the strength of recommendations and of the quality of evidence that incorporates sensitivity to health-care resource utilization and patient values and preferences. A review of this process is provided to inform the ACCP membership and those wishing to embark on EBG development.
Guideline Ranking & Disclaimer
Rank | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1 | This guideline is new and represents the best available evidence at this time. It will be reviewed on an annual basis to determine if it remains current. |
| 2 | This guideline is reviewed on an annual basis and there have been new studies published since the guideline was developed. However, the Health and Science Policy (HSP) Committee determined that these studies are not sufficient to warrant changing the guideline at this time. The information contained in this guideline provides the user with the best evidence available at the time the guideline was published. Readers are encouraged to search the current literature as a supplement to using this guideline. |
| 3 | This guideline is reviewed on an annual basis. The HSP Committee determined that new studies have been published that warrant an update of the (fill in) chapter/section of this practice guideline. The HSP Committee also determined that the remainder of the chapters/sections does not require updating and these recommendations remain current. |
| 4 | This guideline is reviewed on an annual basis. The HSP Committee determined that new data are available that are sufficient to potentially change guideline recommendations and a full revision is warranted. |
| 5 | This guideline has been reviewed on an annual basis. The HSP Committee has decided it is outdated; however, it has been retained for historical and/or educational purposes. These guidelines should be used with caution for clinical decision-making purposes. |
The evidence-based practice guidelines published by The American College of Chest Physicians (“ACCP”) incorporate data obtained from a comprehensive literature review of the most recent studies available at the time of publication. Guidelines are intended for general information only, are not medical advice, and do not replace professional medical care and physician advice, which always should be sought for any specific condition. Furthermore, guidelines may not be complete or accurate because new studies that may have become available late in the process of guideline development may not be incorporated into any particular guideline before it is disseminated. ACCP and its officers, regents, governors, executive committee, members and employees (the “ACCP Parties”) disclaim all liability for the accuracy or completeness of a guideline, and disclaim all warranties, express or implied. Guideline users always are urged to seek out newer information that might impact the diagnostic and treatment recommendations contained within a guideline. The ACCP Parties further disclaim all liability for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages) arising out of the use, inability to use, or the results of use of a guideline, any references used in a guideline, or the materials, information, or procedures contained in a guideline, based on any legal theory whatsoever and whether or not there was advice of the possibility of such damages.
