27/01/26
Guiding principles for implementing ESCMID clinical practice guidelines
Albers, B., Nagavci, B., Joean, O., Tschudin Sutter, S., Tacconelli, E., Paul, M., Langendam, M., Kostyanev, T., Molina, J., Stahl, J. P., Pano Pardo, J. R., Gkrania-Klotsas, E., Hassoun-Kheir, N., Clack, L., Scudeller, L., Zervos, M., & ESCMID Guidelines Subcommittee.
Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) must be effectively implemented to result in meaningful improvements in patient care, support evidence-based decision-making, and drive high-quality, standardized medical practice.
Objective: This paper is a guide to current best practices for quality implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), with a focus on the ESCMID guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infection.
Sources: The guide is informed by implementation science and based on the RE-AIM/PRISM implementation framework, one of the most used frameworks for planning and monitoring research-supported change in healthcare.
Content: A systematic approach to CPG implementation should be guided by three key principles commonly acknowledged in implementation science and reflected in the RE-AIM/PRISM model: (1) understanding the context into which the guideline will be embedded, (2) tailoring the guideline and its implementation to this context, and (3) monitoring guideline implementation IMPLICATIONS: To improve the applicability, effectiveness, and sustainability of novel CPGs, future advancements should prioritize their intentional, well-planned dissemination and implementation, and the rigorous evaluation of CPG outcomes.