Current practices and challenges in adaptation of clinical guidelines: a qualitative study based on semistructured interviews

ObjectiveThis study aims to better understand the current practice of clinical guideline adaptation and identify challenges raised in this process, given that published adapted clinical guidelines are generally of low quality, poorly reported and not based on published frameworks.DesignA qualitative study based on semistructured interviews. We conducted a framework analysis for the adaptation process, and thematic analysis for participants’ views and experiences about adaptation process.SettingNine guideline development organisations from seven countries.ParticipantsGuideline developers who have adapted clinical guidelines within the last 3 years. We identified potential participants through published adapted clinical guidelines, recommendations from experts, and a review of the Guideline International Network Conference attendees’ list.ResultsWe conducted ten interviews and identified nine adaptation methodologies. The reasons for adapting clinical guidelines include developing de novo clinical guidelines, implementing source clinical guidelines, and harmonising and updating existing clinical guidelines. We identified the following core steps of the adaptation process (1) selection of scope and source guideline(s), (2) assessment of source materials (guidelines, recommendations and evidence level), (3) decision-making process and (4) external review and follow-up process. Challenges on the adaptation of clinical guidelines include limitations from source clinical guidelines (poor quality or reporting), limitations from adaptation settings (lacking resources or skills), adaptation process intensity and complexity, and implementation barriers. We also described how participants address the complexities and implementation issues of the adaptation process.ConclusionsAdaptation processes have been increasingly used to develop clinical guidelines, with the emergence of different purposes. The identification of core steps and assessment levels could help guideline adaptation developers streamline their processes. More methodological research is needed to develop rigorous international standards for adapting clinical guidelines.

Sleep promotion for hospitalised children: Developing an evidence-based guideline for nurses

Background: Adequate sleep in hospitalised children is important for a variety of physiological and psychological processes associated with growth, development, and recovery from illness and injury. Hospitalisation often prioritises clinical care activities at the expense of age-appropriate sleep. Nurses and the wider healthcare team contribute to this paradox. However, through conscious practice and partnering with mothers, nurses are able to enact change and promote sleep.Objectives: To adopt, adapt or contextualise existing guidelines to develop an evidence-based practice guideline to promote sleep-friendly ward environments and routines facilitated by nurses, and in partnership with mothers.Method: A six-step methodology for guideline adaptation was followed, as recommended by the South African Guidelines Excellence project: (1) existing guidelines and protocols were identified and (2) appraised using the AGREE II instrument; (3) an evidence base was developed; (4) recommendations were modified, (5) assigned levels of evidence and grades of recommendation; and (6) end user guidance was developed. Expert consultation was sought throughout.Results: Existing relevant guidance comprised 61 adult-centric recommendations. Modification of the evidence base led to six composited recommendations that facilitate sleep in hospitalised children: (1) prioritising patient safety; (2) collaborating with the mother or caregiver to promote sleep; (3) coordinating ward routine and (4) environment to improve sleep; (5) work with clinical and non-clinical staff; and (6) performing basic sleep assessments. Practice recommendations were aligned to the South African regulatory framework for nursing.Conclusion: Hospitalisation is a time of physiological and psychological dysregulation for children, which is amplified by poor sleep in a hospital. Nurses have the opportunity to promote sleep during hospitalisation by implementing this African-centric guideline in partnership with mothers.

Role of the nurses in partnering with mothers to give oral medication to their hospitalised child: Modification and development of a contextualised evidence-based practice guideline

Background: In paediatric wards, children are often reluctant to receive medication from nurses and eventually it is given by the parents. It is a common practice for nurses to hand the medication to mothers to give to their children, However, it is an ‘informal’ practice and lacks evidence-based guidelines.Objectives: To develop a contextualised and adapted evidence-based guideline to support nurses to partner with mothers/carers so that they can safely give oral medication to their hospitalised child under the supervision of a competent nurse.Method: Existing relevant guidelines were identified through searches of bibliographic databases and websites. The AGREE II: Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument was used to appraise the quality of the identified sources. The process of guideline adaptation recommended by the South African Guidelines Excellence project was followed, and a list of adapted recommendations was developed, aligned with the legislative and regulatory frameworks for nursing in South Africa. Accessible end user documentation was developed.Results: Six sources were screened and three sources were found to be eligible and were subjected to full appraisal. Two guidelines and one policy document were identified as suitable for adaptation. Expert consultation confirmed that the resulting adapted guideline was sound, easy to understand, and well presented for the target audience.Conclusion: This process successfully led to the development of a modified evidence-based practice guideline to enable nurses to partner with mothers/caregivers in safely giving oral medication to their hospitalised child in lower-resourced African settings.

Adapting evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Saudi Arabia: process and outputs of a national initiative

Background We recently adapted the published National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and management guideline to the Saudi Arabian context. It has been postulated that adaptation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to the local healthcare context rather than de-novo development will improve their adoption and implementation without imposing a significant burden on resources. The objective of this paper is to describe the adaptation process methodology utilized for the generation of the first national guideline for management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia. Methods We used the KSU-Modified-ADAPTE methodology for the guideline adaptation process. We describe the full process in detail including the three phases of set-up, adaptation, and finalization. The process was conducted by a multidisciplinary guideline adaptation group in addition to an external review for the clinical content and methodology. Results The group adapted ten main categories of recommendations from one source CPG (NICE). The recommendations include: (i) service organisation and training, (ii) recognition, identification and referral, (iii) diagnosis, (iv) support, (v) managing ADHD, (vi) dietary advice, (vii) medication, (viii) maintenance and monitoring, (ix) adherence to treatment, and (x) review of medication and discontinuation. Several implementation tools were compiled and developed to enhance implementability including a clinical algorithm, quality measures, coding system, medication tables, translations, patient information, and online resources. Conclusions The finalized clinical practice guideline provides healthcare providers with applicable evidence-based guidance for the management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of KSU-Modified-ADAPTE, and emphasized the value of a collaborative clinical and methodological expert group for adaptation of national guidelines.

Challenges of Clinical Practice Guidelines Adaptation in Iran: Lesson Learned for Developing Countries

Background: Transfer of a process, technology or method from one setting to another is often challenging and clinical practice guideline adaptation is not an exception. The aim of this study was to identify the challenges of clinical practice guideline adaptation in Iran and provide lessons for developing countries.Methods: In this qualitative study, purposeful interviews were conducted with 17 participants from guideline adaptation groups in research centers , knowledge management and health department of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and experts in ministry of health. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The identified challenges were classified into two basic and operational categories. Basic challenges include believing in need to guideline adaptation, position of adaptation in evaluation and reward systems, access to financial resources and supervision of adaptation process. Also operational challenges were adaptation methodology, forming adaptation team, consensus on interdisciplinary issues, changing programs and priorities and external barriers in the work progress path. Conclusions: Having a comprehensive list of problems will help health system managers and policymakers to control the quality of clinical practice guidelines and could eventually lead to corrective actions. From the most important proposed interventions for removing the current obstacles and problems are holding new training courses and programs for these guides users at different headquarters’ and environmental levels, establishing an appropriate motivating system, designing an integrated system with a focus on organizing related stewardship affairs including planning, policy making and supervision at the treatment deputy of ministry of health and universities levels.

Variations in processes for guideline adaptation: a qualitative study of World Health Organization staff experiences in implementing guidelines

Background The World Health Organisation (WHO) publishes a large number of clinical practice and public health guidelines to promote evidence-based practice across the world. Due to the variety of health system capacities and contextual issues in different regions and countries, adapting the recommendations in the guidelines to the local situation is vital for the success of their implementation. We aim to understand the range of experiences with guideline adaptation from the perspectives of those working in WHO regional and country offices. Our findings will inform development of guidance on how to improve adaptability of WHO guidelines. Methods A grounded theory-informed, qualitative study was carried out between March 2018 and December 2018. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who included WHO guideline developers and staff in the headquarters, regional and country offices recruited from a sample of published WHO guidelines. Participants were eligible for recruitment if they had recent experience in clinical practice or public health guideline implementation. Deidentified transcripts of these interview were analysed through three cycles of coding. Results We categorised the adaptation processes described by the participants into two dominant models along a spectrum of guideline adaptation processes. First, the Copy or Customise Model is a pragmatic approach of either copying or customising WHO guidelines to suit local needs. This is done by local health authorities and/or clinicians directly through consultations with WHO staff. Selections and adjustments of guideline recommendations are made according to what the implementers deemed important, feasible and applicable through the consensus discussions. Second, the Capacity Building Model focuses on WHO building local capacity in evidence synthesis methods and adaptation frameworks to support local development of a national guideline informed by international guidelines. Conclusions In comparing and contrasting these two models of guideline adaptation, we outline the different kinds of support from WHO that may be necessary to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the respective models. We also suggest clarifications in the descriptions of the process of guideline adaptation in WHO and academic literature, to help guideline adaptors and implementers decide on the appropriate course of action according to their specific circumstances. Ethics This project was conducted with ethics approval from The University of Sydney (Project number: 2017/723) and WHO (Protocol ID: 00001).

Adapting evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Saudi Arabia: process and outputs of a national initiative

Background: We recently adapted the published National institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and management guideline to the Saudi Arabian context. It has been postulated that adaptation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to the local healthcare context rather than de-novo development will improve their adoption and implementation without imposing a significant burden on resources. The objective of this paper is to describe the adaptation process methodology utilized for the generation of the first national guideline for management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia.Methods: We used the KSU-Modified-ADAPTE methodology for the guideline adaptation process. We describe the full process in detail including the three phases of set-up, adaptation, and finalization. The process was conducted by a multidisciplinary guideline adaptation group in addition to an external review for the clinical content and methodology.Results: The group adapted ten main categories of recommendations from one source CPG (NICE). The recommendations include; (i) service organisation and training, (ii) recognition, identification and referral, (iii) diagnosis, (iv) support, (v) managing ADHD, (vi) dietary advice, (vii) medication, (viii) maintenance and monitoring, (ix) adherence to treatment, and (x) review of medication and discontinuation. Several implementation tools were compiled and developed to enhance implementability including a clinical algorithm, quality measures, coding system, medication tables, translations, patient information, and online resources.Conclusions: The finalized clinical practice guideline provides healthcare providers with applicable evidence-based guidance for the management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of KSU-Modified-ADAPTE, and emphasized the value of a collaborative clinical and methodological expert group for adaptation of national guidelines.

Guidelines Translation for Distress Management in Cancer Patients Based on CAN-IMPLEMENT: Adaptation Part

Background Almost all cancer patients experience some level of distress, which has significantly reduced their quality of life. Nowadays evidence-based practice in various fields of health care is increasing, and it has played an important role. This study aimed to clarify the theme of guideline adaptation, integrate relevant clinical practice guidelines on distress management in cancer patients, and develop the Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines. Methods A Guideline Adaptation and Implementation Planning Resource (CAN-IMPLEMENT) was used as the research framework, which include three phases. Here the Adaptation Part (Phase 1) was reported: adaptation of relevant clinical practice guidelines on the distress management in cancer patients to form the Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines. Results The physical symptom distress score (0.61 ± 0.58) was almost equal to the psychological symptom distress score (0.61 ± 0.70) among cancer patients in Shanghai. A work plan for the adaptation of Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines was developed. Two clinical practice guidelines related to distress management in cancer patents were included after searching, screening, assessment and selection. The domain scores of the draft the Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines on Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) were 80.00% (scope and purpose), 82.78% (stakeholder involvement), 87.50% (rigour of development), 73.89% (clarity and presentation), 73.75% (applicability), 87.50% (editorial independence) respectively. The scores of most recommendations on feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness were 90.0% or higher. The final guidelines included 13 recommendations. Conclusions The psychological symptoms and physical symptoms were both worthy of attention in cancer patients. The quality of the draft the Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines was well-accepted based on two included guidelines. Most recommendations received positive and constructive feedback on feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness. The final guidelines was formed based on the revision of the first draft guidelines.

Adapting evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Saudi Arabia: process and outputs of a national initiative

Background: We recently adapted the published National institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and management guideline to the Saudi Arabian context. It has been postulated that adaptation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to the local healthcare context rather than de-novo development will improve their adoption and implementation without imposing a significant burden on resources. The objective of this paper is to describe the adaptation process methodology utilized for the generation of the first national guideline for management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia.Methods: We used the KSU-Modified-ADAPTE methodology for the guideline adaptation process. We describe the full process in detail including the three phases of set-up, adaptation, and finalization. The process was conducted by a multidisciplinary guideline adaptation group in addition to an external review for the clinical content and methodology.Results: The group adapted ten main categories of recommendations from one source CPG (NICE). The recommendations include; (i) service organisation and training, (ii) recognition, identification and referral, (iii) diagnosis, (iv) support, (v) managing ADHD, (vi) dietary advice, (vii) medication, (viii) maintenance and monitoring, (ix) adherence to treatment, and (x) review of medication and discontinuation. Several implementation tools were compiled and developed to enhance implementability including a clinical algorithm, quality measures, coding system, medication tables, translations, patient information, and online resources.Conclusions: The finalized clinical practice guideline provides healthcare providers with applicable evidence-based guidance for the management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of KSU-Modified-ADAPTE, and emphasized the value of a collaborative clinical and methodological expert group for adaptation of national guidelines.

Adapting evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Saudi Arabia: process and outputs of a national initiative

Background: We recently adapted the published National institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and management guideline to the Saudi Arabian context. It has been postulated that adaptation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to the local healthcare context rather than de-novo development will improve their adoption and implementation without imposing a significant burden on resources. The objective of this paper is to describe the adaptation process methodology utilized for the generation of the first national guideline for management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia.Methods: We used the KSU-Modified-ADAPTE methodology for the guideline adaptation process. We describe the full process in detail including the three phases of set-up, adaptation, and finalization. The process was conducted by a multidisciplinary guideline adaptation group in addition to an external review for the clinical content and methodology.Results: The group adapted ten main categories of recommendations from one source CPG (NICE). The recommendations include; (i) service organisation and training, (ii) recognition, identification and referral, (iii) diagnosis, (iv) support, (v) managing ADHD, (vi) dietary advice, (vii) medication, (viii) maintenance and monitoring, (ix) adherence to treatment, and (x) review of medication and discontinuation. Several implementation tools were compiled and developed to enhance implementability including a clinical algorithm, quality measures, coding system, medication tables, translations, patient information, and online resources.Conclusions: The finalized clinical practice guideline provides healthcare providers with applicable evidence-based guidance for the management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of KSU-Modified-ADAPTE, and emphasized the value of a collaborative clinical and methodological expert group for adaptation of national guidelines.