CHEST Guidelines-Methodologies for the Development of the Management of Cough

Methodologies for the Development of the Management of Cough

Pdf Summary

The CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report outlines the methodologies for developing clinical guidelines for managing cough. This report emphasizes a hybrid approach combining evidence-based guidelines and trustworthy consensus statements. The process includes selecting an unbiased Panel Chair, developing PICO (population, intervention, comparator, outcome)-based questions, and conducting comprehensive literature reviews to form evidence tables and support graded recommendations. A structured consensus-based Delphi approach ensures transparency and expert input in all guidance statements.<br /><br />The guidelines aim to provide direction to healthcare providers and researchers for treating patients with cough, ensuring recommendations are rigorous and trustworthy as per Institute of Medicine standards. The methodology has evolved from early consensus-based documents to rigorous guidelines meeting or exceeding current standards. The guidelines impact practices, such as FDA rulings on cough medications, and promote ongoing updates with new evidence or technologies.<br /><br />The panel is composed of experts from various fields, limiting potential conflicts of interest. A comprehensive review process includes input from various professional societies and stakeholders, ensuring well-rounded perspectives. CHEST covers all associated costs, with no industry funding involved.<br /><br />The guidelines use a grading system to assess the quality of evidence (high, moderate, or low) and the strength of recommendations (strong or weak). The process includes systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and evidence profiling using customized tools like GRADE for ranking evidence quality.<br /><br />The report details a careful selection and management of panel members to avoid conflicts of interest, ensuring the guidance is based on expertise and evidence. It encompasses transparency throughout the development process, emphasizing the importance of continual updating and dissemination through various media and professional channels. The guidelines are living documents subject to regular updates to maintain their applicability and reliability.

Keywords

clinical guidelines

cough management

evidence-based

consensus statements

PICO questions

Delphi approach

Institute of Medicine

evidence grading

conflict of interest

systematic reviews