Guidelines on which subjects are worth producing guidelines for

The Working Party – Rationale, structure and terms of reference

  1. Is there a shared understanding and clear definition of the public health problem?
  2. Why is this a priority requiring new policy guidance?
    1. For commissioners
    2. For providers
    3. For the public
  3. Are key stakeholders represented on the working party?
  4. Is there a correct balance between professional disciplines on the working party? Are providers adequately represented?
  5. Who will own the new policy/guidance when formulated?
  6. Will the guidance be subject to consultation with health professionals prior to approval?
  7. Is there a need to consult with schools or other public bodies on the implications of the new guidance?
  8. What will happen if the group fails to reach a consensus or if the guidance/policy is not supported by one or more key stakeholders?
  9. Will the new guidance have the support of the Department of Health? If so, will it be circulated under cover of an HSC?

 Analysis of problem and formulation of new policy/guidance

  1. Is the aetiology and epidemiology of the disease/problem clearly described?
  2. What are the treatment options or proposed intervention? If only one option or intervention is being considered, why is this? Has the option to do nothing been considered?
  3. What is the anticipated population health gain? Has this been the subject of rigorous modelling? Has the intervention or new policy guidance been piloted?
  4. Is the proposed intervention supported by a strong evidence-base? Is the evidence-base transferable to mainstream clinical practice settings?
  5. What is the number of patients needed to treat/screen to avoid one adverse event?
  6. What is the cost per adverse event avoided?
  7. Are there negative health effects, including psychological effects, associated with the proposed policy change or programme? Might these outweigh any clinical benefit?

Implementation of the new policy/guidance

  1. Have the training needs of health care providers and risk management considerations by provider organisations been considered?
  2. Is there a need for new written information for patients and explanation of proposed policy change?
  3. Has an implementation plan, including resources, been worked through?
  4. Who is responsible for project managing the implementation?
  5. How will the impact of the new policy/guidance be monitored and reviewed? What are the time-scales, what are the outcome indicators and targets? Who will do this? Will funding be required and will the guidance be withdrawn if it has no impact or demonstrable health gain?