Definition

Clinical practice guidelines are statements that include recommendations intended to optimise patient care that are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options.

They embody trustworthy evidence-based recommendations developed through a rigorous and transparent methodology aligned with high methodological standards and employing a systematic process consistent with National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and the Guidelines International Network (GIN) principles, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and adhering to the domains of the AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation) II instrument.

How to initiate

Mainly initiated by EASD according to the SOP published in Diabetologia.

Joint guidelines initiated by other entities must be willing to adhere to EASD Cooperation principles. Submit a detailed proposal to GOC via the EASD Executive Office (info@easd.org) with all the information required.

What to include in a proposal

1. Topic and outline
2. Information on which organisations will be included
3. Information on the proposed composition of the writing group (associations/experts involved), including how many representatives per involved association are planned
4. Information on plans to involve people with lived experience of diabetes should be included
5. Envisaged timeline
6. Information on how the group will work (e.g., number of online or face-to-face meetings)
7. Detailed COI forms of all proposed authors

Criteria for EASD endorsement

Adherence to the principles described “Cooperation with other associations in guideline documents” chapter described in EASD SOP for the development of guideline documents.

The GOC will review the proposal and recommend endorsement based on the principles described in its SOP.

Publication

OA publication in an EASD journal (decision by EIC and fee covered by EASD) + EASD website + EASD dissemination channels.

Definition

Consensus reports reflect the collective agreement of a panel of experts on a particular health-related issue, such as definition of a disease, diagnostic criteria, disease management, treatment approaches or healthcare policy.

Consensus reports provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence on a particular topic; they target a broad audience, including healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Various methodologies have been developed to achieve consensus including the Delphi method, nominal group technique, RAND/UCLA appropriateness method (RAM) and consensus meetings; these are set out in the ACCORD (ACcurate COnsensus Reporting Document) framework.

How to initiate

Prior to development submit a detailed proposal to CCA via the EASD Executive Office (info@easd.org) with all the information required.

What to include in a proposal

1. Topic and outline
2. Information on which organisations will be included
3. Information on the composition of the writing group (associations/experts involved), including how many representatives per involved association are planned and recruitment process. The role(s) and areas of expertise or experience of those directing the consensus exercise should be stated. Information on plans to involve people with lived experience of diabetes and their role should be included
4. Envisaged timeline
5. Information on how the group will work (e.g., number of meetings via Zoom, f2f meetings). In particular, the methods that will be used and the steps that will be taken to gather panellist input and reach consensus (for example, Delphi, RAND-UCLA, nominal group technique) should be included
6. Detailed COI forms of all proposed authors

Criteria for EASD endorsement

EASD must be involved at an early stage of the development and before writing begins.

The CCA will review the proposal and recommend endorsement based on novelty, relevance, importance and topicality.

Proposals arriving at a later stage in the process will be handled as Expert Opinion Reports. On a case-by-case basis, a request for endorsement by EASD as an International Consensus Report may be considered, provided that ACCORD and/or other appropriate methodologies were used to create the report.

Publication

OA publication in an EASD journal (decision by EIC and fee covered by EASD) + EASD website + EASD dissemination channels.

Definition

Position statements are formal declarations that articulate a (clinical) viewpoint on a specific issue within healthcare, shared and endorsed by the EASD.

The statements provide clarity, guidance and advocacy on matters that are significant to the diabetes community. They inform stakeholders, including policymakers, professionals and the public, about the organisation’s position and may influence decision-making, policy development and practices within the healthcare field.

Position statements typically address complex and contentious issues for which existing evidence may be limited or unavailable. They take into account professional expertise and ethical considerations, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to promoting health, well-being, high-quality care and equity.

How to initiate

Prior to development of the position, submit a detailed proposal to CCA via the EASD Executive Office (info@easd.org) with all the information required.

What to include in a proposal

1. Topic and outline
2. Information on which organisations will be included
3. Information on the composition of the writing group (associations/experts involved), including how many representatives per involved association are planned. Information on plans to involve people with lived experience of diabetes and their role should be included
4. Envisaged timeline
5. Detailed COI forms of all proposed authors

Criteria for EASD endorsement

EASD must be involved at an early stage of the development and before writing begins.

The CCA will review the proposal and recommend endorsement based on novelty, relevance, importance and topicality.

Proposals arriving at a later stage in the process will be treated as Expert Opinion Reports.

Publication

Published on EASD website + EASD dissemination channels – CCA/Board will advise on publication

Definition

Expert opinion reports are critical assessments of a medical topic and provide an opportunity to disseminate latest research and clinical practice to a wider healthcare professional readership.

How to initiate

Contact the CCA via the EASD Executive Office (info@easd.org). Submissions prior to development have higher probability of endorsement.

What to include in a proposal

1. Topic and outline
2. Information on which organisations will be included
3. Information on the composition of the writing group (associations/experts involved), including how many representatives per involved association are planned. The role(s) and areas of expertise or experience of those directing the consensus exercise should be stated. Information on plans to involve people with lived experience of diabetes and their role should be included
4. Detailed COI forms of all proposed authors

Criteria for EASD endorsement

EASD is ideally involved at an early stage of the development.

The CCA will review the proposal or the document and recommend endorsement based on the quality of the proposal/document and EASD priorities and ongoing documents.

Publication

Published on EASD website + EASD dissemination channels - CCA/Board will advise on publication.