From guidelines to decision aids and adherence supports: Insights from the process of evidence translation

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the evidence-translator’s experience of the expert-recommended process of translating guidelines into tools for decision making, action, and adherence with the goal of improvement. MethodsA single reviewer dual reviewed the content, quality, certainty, and applicability of primary atherosclerotic cardiovascular prevention guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force at the time of this work and used targeted searches of Medline to define the ideal structure and outcomes of tools; fill in gaps in guidelines; identify end-user needs; and choose and optimize existing tools in preparation for testing. ResultsGuidelines addressed screening, treatments, and/or supports, but never the combination of all three. None provided all of the information needed for evidence translation. Searches in Medline filled in some evidence gaps and provided key insights into end-user needs and effective tools. However, evidence translators are left with complicated decisions about how to use and align evidence. ConclusionGuidelines provide some, but not all, of the evidence needed for evidence translation, requiring additional intensive work. Evidence gaps result in complicated decisions about how to use and align evidence and balance feasibility and rigor. Practice implicationsGuidelines, standards groups, and researchers should work to better support the process of evidence translation.