Heartbeat: principles for excellence in development of clinical guidelines

Clinical guidelines have become a core element in optimising care for patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the quality of depends on rigorous unbiased process that integrates clinical evidence input from range stakeholders. In this issue Heart , Garbi1 summarises National Institute Health and Care Excellence (NICE) principles processes development England. The discussion is divided into four key areas: (1) Guideline by an independent advisory committee includes aligning recommendations national health policies, involvement patients, patient-advocates, public as well healthcare professionals. (2) Recommendations should be based relevant, reliable robust include consideration cost-effectiveness population benefit. (3) Guidelines support innovation reduce inequalities. (4) Finally, ensuring guideline implementation providing regular updates are essential. In accompanying editorial, Otto, Kudenchuk Newby2 compare NICE methodology current approach our professional societies, to established reporting criteria practice (figure 1).3 They propose several areas improvement including cooperative common database; transparent standards; more diverse group stakeholders; minimising conflicts interest; information specialists, medical writers other relevant experts; updates; adaptation regional …