[The adaptation methodology of a guideline for the management of adults with community-acquired pneumonia]

Abstract

Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are widely used as tools for improving quality of health care. Guidelines developed elsewhere, can be adapted using a valid and systematic process.

Aim: To describe the methodology used in the process of adaptation of a guideline for the management of adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a private health care organization.

Material and methods: We used the ADAPTE framework involving three main phases. At the set-up phase a guideline adaptation group integrated by medical specialists from different disciplines, a methodologist and a nurse coordinator was formed. At the adaptation phase, the specific clinical questions to be addressed by the guidelines were identified.

Results: Twenty five guidelines were initially retrieved. After their assessment, the number was reduced to only three. Recommendations from these guidelines were 'mapped' and focused searches were carried out where 'evidence gaps' were identified. An initial draft was written and revised by the adaptation group. At the finalization phase, the external review of the guideline was carried out and a process for the regular review and update of the adapted guideline was defined.

Conclusions: We developed a guideline for the management of adults with CAP, adapted to the local context of our health care system, using guidelines developed elsewhere. This guideline creation method can be an efficient means of saving professional resources.