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. 2020 Dec 29;22(12):e20064.
doi: 10.2196/20064.

Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Development and Update of Clinical Practice Guidelines: Viewpoint

Theresa Steeb  1 , Markus Follmann  2 , Ralf Matthias Hagen  3 , Carola Berking  1 , Markus Vincent Heppt  1
Affiliations

Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Development and Update of Clinical Practice Guidelines: Viewpoint

Theresa Steeb et al. J Med Internet Res. .

Abstract

Following the rapid spread of a new type of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), nearly all countries have introduced temporary restrictions affecting daily life, with "social distancing" as a key intervention for slowing the spread of the virus. Despite the pandemic, the development or actualization of medical guidelines, especially in the rapidly changing field of oncology, needs to be continued to provide up-to-date evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for shared decision making and maintaining the treatment quality for patients. In this viewpoint, we describe the potential strengths and limitations of online conferences for medical guideline development. This viewpoint will assist guideline developers in evaluating whether online conferences are an appropriate tool for their guideline conference and audience.

Keywords: COVID-19; clinical practice; consensus development conference; decision making; guideline; online conference; pandemic; policy; practice guideline; public health; videoconferencing.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Strengths and limitations of online conferences for medical guideline development.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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