Conducting systematic reviews and creating clinical practice guidelines in dentistry: lessons learned

Abstract

Background: High-quality systematic reviews are the basis of valid, reliable clinical practice guidelines, or CPGs. In 1999, a Canadian collaboration of dentists embarked on the process of developing guidelines.

Methods: The Canadian Collaboration on Clinical Practice Guidelines in Dentistry, or CCCD, is a coalition of multiple stakeholders from organized dentistry and academia whose mandate is to develop CPGs for practicing dentists. In the development of the first CPG based on a systematic review of the literature, the CCCD Methodology Resource Group (of which the authors were co-chairs) gained some valuable insights. The authors wrote this article to share their experiences and lessons learned and to offer practical advice to others who may undertake similar projects.

Results: The authors identify a number of methodological issues and logistical problems and make suggestions for effective management of the review and guideline development processes.

Conclusions and practice implications: Systematic reviews and the development of CPGs require rigorous methodology, as well as input from content experts and clinicians, to ensure validity and relevance. The processes are costly and time-intensive, but the anticipated outcome is enhanced clinical decision making and improved oral health.