Figure 2:

Diagram of the guideline development process. The steps and involvement of various members of the guideline development group are interrelated and not necessarily sequential. The guideline panel and supporting groups (e.g., methodologist, health economist, systematic review team and secretariat for administrative support) work collaboratively, informed through consumer and stakeholder involvement. They typically report to an oversight committee or board overseeing the process. For example, while deciding how to involve stakeholders early for priority setting and topic selection, the guideline group must also consider how developing formal relationships with the stakeholders will enable effective dissemination and implementation to support uptake of the guideline. Furthermore, considerations for organization, planning and training encompass the entire guideline development project, and steps such as documenting the methodology used and the decisions made, as well as considering conflicts of interest, occur throughout the process.