Exploring Stakeholder Perceptions and Utilisation of Irish National Standards for Clinical Practice Guidance: Implications for Enhancing Guideline Development

Article type
Authors
Hammersley C1, Serhan W1, Murray R2, Sharp M1, Cullinan M3, Clyne B1
1Department of Public Health & Epidemiology, School of Population Health, RCSI University Of Medicine And Health Sciences , Dublin, Ireland
2Health Information and Quality Authority, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Dublin 7 , Ireland
3Clinical Effectiveness Unit, National Patient Safety Office, Department of Health, 50-58, Block 1, Miesian Plaza, Baggot Street Lower. Dublin 2 , Ireland
Abstract
"BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidance (CPG) are systematically developed statements or processes to assist clinician and patient decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances. Organisations responsible for developing CPG typically produce methodological handbooks and standard procedures for creating CPG. Incorporating relevant stakeholders, and particularly end users’, perspectives and experience is crucial to ensuring the value and usability of such documents.

Objectives: To explore stakeholder practices, experiences and perceptions of the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) Standards for Clinical Practice Guidance in Ireland.



METHODOLOGY: We employed a descriptive qualitative design using semi-structured interviews. Targeted key stakeholders were recruited through the Department of Health, acting as gatekeepers. Interviews with key stakeholders were conducted remotely (MS Teams) between November 2023 and January 2024 by one interviewer. The topic guide was informed by a previous scoping review and the existing document. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis followed a framework approach.



RESULTS: Twenty interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders, including senior decision makers, evidence synthesis specialists, health-care providers, and guideline developers. Preliminary analysis suggests that while the majority of participants appreciate the value of the National standards for CPG, its utilisation and adherence to this guidance varies in practice. Many participants lacked a detailed understanding of the content and had limited practical experience in following or applying the guidance in the development of CPG.



DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study underscores stakeholders’ positive perception of manuals and documents on developing CPG, yet it also highlights gaps in awareness and practical application. There is a pressing need for better promotion and dissemination of these resources within the guidance development ecosystem. These findings will support the NCEC in considering updates to the current NCEC Standards for Clinical Practice Guidance. "