 |
| Photo: John Swan |
Consensus Statements
It's easy to assume that evidence-based guidelines cover every eventuality. They don't, usually because the evidence isn't there. Consensus statements by primary and secondary care specialists are one solution.
Case study - second-line insulins
A group of senior clinicians in primary and secondary care met to discuss how to advise GPs on choosing a second line insulin for people with type 2 diabetes. NICE had recommended the first choice but not what came next. The aim was to produce pragmatic guidance, based on evidence where possible. I recorded the meeting and prepared a referenced summary of the proceedings, then worked with the publisher to finalise the copy and permissions. The final paper is at second-line insulin for type 2 diabetes.
Case study - pain and osteoporosis
Publishers and clinicians can be wary of commercial involvement with these groups; sometimes it's the only way that important but unfashionable issues can be aired. One group of senior clinicians met to discuss the management of vertebral pain in patients with osteoporosis. There was evidence in the literature, but only in a disparate form, and little comparative data of clinical value. The aim was to produce straightforward guidance, based on evidence where possible, to help GPs and secondary care physicians with the initial management of pain due to vertebral collapse. I recorded the meeting and prepared a fully-referenced summary of each presentation. These drafts went back to the speakers for review and editing before compiling the consensus document.