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Evidence-Based Guideline Development Process

Guideline Topic Selection Criteria

Potential topics will be identified through the submission of the Guideline Proposal Application. The ACCP NetWorks, the ACCP membership, and outside organizations may submit an application. Criteria to be considered when selecting a topic include

  • Conditions in which the diagnosis and management of the disease could be significantly improved by a change in practice
  • A body of published evidence exists on which to base the guideline
  • The topic has a wide variability in practice
  • The range of topics reflect the constituency of the College and cross over various disciplines of the College
  • The topic is controversial
  • The topic includes interventions that potentially have high economic cost
  • The topic is of interest and importance to public health

For a topic to be considered for the upcoming fiscal year, the application must be submitted before December 31 of the preceding calendar year. Topics will be discussed at the spring HSP Committee meeting, with the advice of the HSP Guidelines Subcommittee. Applicants will be notified upon receipt of Board of Regents approval the following summer. The HSP Committee will prioritize topics to begin development in the upcoming fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). Topics not selected for development may be resubmitted in subsequent years.

Related Terms:
Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines
Resources

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.