[redactions made under s47F of the FOI Act]
From:
Clinical Guidelines
Sent:
Wednesday, 8 April 2020 9:37 PM
To:
Cc:
Mark Bellgrove
Subject:
RE: ADHD Guidelines [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
_methodological_review_template_version_1_131118 (10)_AD.docx; progress_report_template_
140911 (1).pdf; public_consultation_-_information_for_developers_v6 (8).pdf
Dear 
Just a quick note to provide you with some general information about the approval process. 
Most of this information you’re probably familiar with but I thought I might go over it in case 
anything is new since the last time you submitted a guideline for approval. I will also touch 
base closer to the time that the requirements are due. 
To be approved a guideline must meet the NHMRC guideline standard and follow the 
Procedures and requirements for meeting the NHMRC standard for guidelines. 
NHMRC Council Meetings 
Although there are changes to other NHMRC Committees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we 
understand the Council meetings will still go ahead as planned. The planned dates for 2021 are 
11 March and 17 June. The third date for 2021 is to be advised and is most likely to be held in 
October or November. 
Council will be asked to consider the guideline recommendations only and the public 
consultation report. All other material (the full guidelines, the technical and administrative 
reports etc) will still need to be submitted to NHMRC and may be examined by Council if it 
requests it. We will ask that someone from the guideline development group be available, in 
person or by video, to answer any questions Council members may have. If Council are happy 
then formal confirmation of CEO approval of your guidelines will be sent no more than three 
weeks after the meeting. 
Progress report 
I have attached the progress report template for you to complete and return to NHMRC – this 
is should be done 3-6 months before public consultation begins. 
Public consultation 
I have attached the NHMRC advice on public consultation for you. The main thing to stress is 
the importance of sending the draft guidelines to all CEOs, Secretaries or Directors General of 
state and territory health departments, explicitly inviting them to make a response. This step 
mitigates the risk of the states and territories voicing concerns later on when it is too late to 
change the guidelines, and also helps reassure members of council representing states and 
territories. We also advise individual NHMRC council members about public consultation and 
invite them to make a submission in their individual capacities.  
Expert Peer Review Names 
I would appreciate you providing me with the names of six people whom we can approach to 
provide expert peer review of the draft guidelines, so that we can contact them well ahead of 
time. They should be experts in part or all of the guidelines’ subject matter, not involved in 
their development and preferably a mix of both international and Australian experts. NHMRC 
will also independently source a similar number of experts (noting that the response rate for 
timely expert review is usually poor, so the more people who are approached the greater the 
possibility of getting reviews back in the required time). 
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Methodological Review 
Please find attached a methodological review template for you to complete and submit to 
NHMRC together with the draft guideline. You will see the template asks you to identify 
whereabouts in the guideline various pieces of information can be found.  
 
As ever we would appreciate a heads up if the guidelines are likely to be controversial or if 
Commonwealth ministers are likely to be lobbied because of anything in them. 
 
Happy to discuss anything here if you need more information. Have a great Easter break and 
stay well. 
 
Kind regards, 
Sally 
 
 
Sally Wright  
Project Officer, Clinical Practice Guidelines 
Research Translation 
National Health and Medical Research Council 
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx 
+61 03 8866 0411 
Hours: Tue - Fri 
 
nhmrc.gov.au 
 
 
 
 
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands around Australia and pay my respects to Elders past and 
present. 
 
 
From: 
  
Sent: Wednesday, 12 February 2020 3:43 PM 
To: Clinical Guidelines <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx> 
Subject: Re: ADHD Guidelines [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
 
Hi Sally, 
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From: 
  
Sent: Thursday, 23 January 2020 11:06 AM 
To: Clinical Guidelines <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx> 
Subject: Re: ADHD Guidelines [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
 
Hi Sally, 
My apologies for such a delayed response. I hope you had a lovely festive season. 
In response to your points:  
Yes, please do email me and perhaps also cc xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx. Thank you I can 
do this. 
Is that component of the guidelines for guidelines now available or was it the public 
consultation that I saw? If not publicly available, I would love to keep a copy. 
Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in guideline development module is 
available to the public via the public consultation document. This version will stay online 
until any changes are made to it as a result of the consultation. The Equity and Stakeholder 
Engagement modules may also have some useful information on engaging ATSI people.  
The conflict of interest module is available on the Guideline for Guidelines website here. 
In terms of dates, we are running a little behind so we will attempt to meet the original Feb 
2021 and June 2021 but I will know in the next few months if we are unlikely to. We will 
likely do a 30 day public consultation. Thank you. I’ll touch base again in a few months’ 
time. 
We have just completed the public consultation on the questions and are meeting today to 
discuss next steps and compilation of the guideline group that will prioritise and PICO the 
questions that have been consolidated. Thank you for the update. Good luck with your next 
steps. 
Apologies again. Best wishes, 
 
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Research Translation 
National Health and Medical Research Council 
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx 
+61 03 8866 0411 
nhmrc.gov.au 
  
[Logo-inline-tagline-purple] 
  
  
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands around 
Australia and pay my respects to Elders past and present. 
  
  
  
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NHMRC: Methodological review template 
Using the 2011 NHMRC Standard to assess clinical practice guidelines 
 
For Guideline Developers 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NHMRC: Methodological review template 
   
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
For Guideline Developers 
The details you provide in this document, are submit ed to the appointed Methodological Reviewer for your 
guideline, to assist them in locating the information relevant to each requirement.  The instructions for 
completing this document are listed below. 
 
DO… 
•  Complete the Guideline title and Guideline developer details on page 3. 
•  Complete location details of information relevant to each mandatory requirement in the space indicated 
below. 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Example 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
A.1 
The organisation/s 
Must appear in guideline and 
Yes / No 
responsible for developing 
can also appear in 
and publishing the guideline 
administrative report 
is/are named. 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
INSERT DETAILS HERE 
 
 
•  Developers are encouraged to meet the desirable requirements to improve guideline quality and 
implementability.  Where detail is available insert as per the mandatory requirements otherwise insert the 
text n/a. 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Example 
 
 
Location of the information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
A.2.1  The amount and percentage  To appear in  administrative 
Yes / No 
of total funding received from  report 
each funding source is 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
stated. 
INSERT DETAILS OR THE 
 
TEXT N/A HERE 
 
DON’T… 
•  Complete the Documents reviewed on page 3. 
•  Complete Section 1 (pages 4-5) 
•  Complete the Information page or the Competing Interest Statement (pages 6-7). 
•  Complete the column al ocated to the Methodological reviewer in Section 2. 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
 
NHMRC: Methodological review template 
Using the 2011 NHMRC standard to assess clinical practice guidelines 
 
 
Guideline title 
 
(developer to 
complete) 
Guideline developer 
 
(developer to 
complete) 
Documents reviewed 
 
(reviewer to complete) 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
1.1  Guideline details (reviewer to complete) 
 
 
 
 
 
1.2  Summary rating (reviewer to complete) 
 
It is considered that this guideline (meets and exceeds, meets, partly meets or does not meet) the 
requirements set out in the Procedures and requirements for meeting the 2011 NHMRC standard for clinical 
practice guidelines as detailed in Section 1.3 of this report. 
 
Meets and exceeds requirements 
 
Al  mandatory requirements were fulfil ed and are fully described and supported by the 
 
descriptions in the documents supplied. In addition, some desirable requirements have also 
been achieved. 
 
Meets requirements 
 
All mandatory requirements were fulfil ed and are fully described and supported by the 
descriptions in the documents supplied. 
 
Partly meets requirements 
 
Some mandatory requirements were met, but other mandatory requirements of the 2011 
NHMRC standard failed to be met. 
 
Does not meet requirements 
 
Most mandatory requirements in the 2011 NHMRC standard were not met. 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
1.3  Section ratings (reviewer to complete) 
 
 
Requirement 
Rating 
 
e.g. Summary description of requirement 
e.g. Provide rating and recommended action (if any) 
Ratings: 
•  Meets and exceeds requirements 
•  Meets mandatory requirements 
•  Partly meets mandatory requirements 
•  Does not meet mandatory requirements 
 
A  Governance and stakeholder involvement 
 
B  Scope and purpose 
 
C  Evidence review 
 
D  Guideline recommendations 
 
E  Guideline structure and style 
 
F  Public consultation 
 
G  Dissemination and implementation of guidelines 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
Information (reviewer to complete) 
 
The areas where the guidelines do not meet the 2011 NHMRC standard, are not applicable, or could not be 
assessed against the requirements set out in the Procedures and requirements for meeting the 2011 NHMRC 
standard for clinical practice guidelines are described in detail in the following report. 
 
Areas where the guidelines fail to meet the requirements in the Procedures and requirements for meeting the 
2011 NHMRC standard for clinical practice guidelines are: 
 
Requirement 
Issue 
List requirement 
Describe issue or gap in guideline 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Areas where additional information or clarification is required are: 
 
Requirement 
Additional information sought 
List requirement 
Describe issue or gap and suggested information to be sought from developer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In addition, there are a number of other points highlighted in this report where changes could be considered 
but are not essential in order to meet the Procedures and requirements for meeting the 2011 NHMRC 
standard for clinical practice guidelines (the requirements listed as desirable) 
 
Requirement 
Additional information sought 
List requirement 
Provide summary of comments and suggestions. 
Use statements such as “developer may wish to consider” or “the NHMRC 
may wish to seek further advice from the developer on” 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
Competing interest statement by methodological reviewer 
 
The reviewers <insert name> have received no funding or support from the developers of this guideline and 
have had no direct contact with the developers of this guideline. 
 
 
 
 
 
  Name of reviewer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Signature of reviewer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Date 
 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
2. Detailed review of the guideline 
 
Section A: Governance and stakeholder involvement 
The guideline has been developed with multidisciplinary involvement, which takes into account perspectives 
of a range of health professionals to which the topic relates, including consumer perspectives. The developer 
of the guideline is clearly stated (including the funders), the process to recruit working party members is 
published and details of all members are available including description of competing interest management 
processes and competing interest statements. 
 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Governance and stakeholder involvement 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
A.1 
The organisation/s 
Must appear in guideline and 
Yes / No 
responsible for developing 
can also appear in 
and publishing the guideline 
administrative report 
is/are named. 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
 
Please cut and paste relevant 
sections of guideline or 
administrative report (noting 
location and page of information) 
to inform comments (if 
appropriate). 
 
If the answer is NO, provide 
examples to il ustrate the issue. 
A.2 
Sources of funding for 
Must appear in guideline and 
Yes / No 
guideline development, 
can also appear in 
publication and dissemination  administrative report 
are stated. 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
 
 
A.3 
A multidisciplinary group that  Must appear in guideline and 
Yes / No 
includes end-users, relevant 
can also appear in 
disciplines and clinical 
administrative report 
experts is convened to 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
develop the purposes, scope 
and content of the guideline,   
 
and the process and criteria 
for selecting member are 
described. 
A.4 
Consumers participate in the  Must appear in administrative 
Yes / No 
guideline development, and 
report 
the processes employed to 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
recruit, involve and support 
consumer participants are 
 
 
described. 
A.5 
A complete list of all the 
Must appear in guideline and 
Yes / No 
people involved in the 
can also appear in 
guideline development 
administrative report  
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Governance and stakeholder involvement 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
process is provided, including  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
the following information for 
each person: 
 
 
•  name 
•  profession or discipline 
•  organisational affiliation 
and  
•  their role in the guideline 
development process. 
A.6 
Potential competing interests  Must appear in  administrative  Yes / No 
are identified, managed and 
report 
documented, and a 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
competing interest 
declaration is completed by 
 
 
each member of the 
guideline development group. 
 
A.7 
A list of organisations 
Must appear in guideline and 
Yes / No 
formal y endorsing the 
can also appear in 
guideline is provided. 
administrative report  
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
 
 
 
 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Governance and stakeholder involvement 
 
 
Location of the information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
A.2.1  The amount and percentage  To appear in  administrative 
Yes / No 
of total funding received from  report 
each funding source is 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
stated. 
 
 
A.4.1  The guideline development 
To appear in administrative 
Yes / No 
process includes participation  report 
by representatives of 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
 
 
Islander peoples and 
cultural y and linguistically 
diverse communities (as 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Governance and stakeholder involvement 
 
 
Location of the information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
appropriate to the clinical 
need and context), and the 
processes employed to 
recruit, involve and support 
these participants are 
described. 
 
OVERALL ASSESSMENT FOR SECTION A: Governance and stakeholder involvement 
 
(reviewer to complete, select one option) 
 
•  Meets and exceeds requirements 
•  Meets mandatory requirements 
•  Partly meets mandatory requirements 
•  Does not meet mandatory requirements 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
Section B: Scope and purpose 
The research question/issue/problem motivating the guideline is clearly stated, and the intended audience 
and health care setting is made explicit. 
 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Scope and purpose 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
B.1 
The purpose of the guideline  Must appear in guideline and 
Yes / No 
is stated, including the 
can also appear in technical 
clinical questions (see 
report  
Requirement C.1), issue or 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
problems the guideline 
Please cut and paste relevant 
addresses. 
 
sections of guideline or 
administrative report (noting 
location and page of information) 
to inform comments (if 
appropriate). 
 
If the answer is NO, provide 
examples to il ustrate the issue. 
B.2 
The health care setting to 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
which the recommendations 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
apply is described, including 
the health system level (e.g. 
 
 
primary care, acute care) and 
clinical stage (e.g. whether 
the guideline covers 
prevention, screening, 
assessment, treatment, 
rehabilitation or monitoring). 
B.3 
The intended end users of 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
the guideline are clearly 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
defined, and any relevant 
exceptions are identified. 
 
 
B.4 
The population to which the 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
guideline recommendations 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
wil  apply is defined (e.g. 
children, adolescents, adults   
 
or older adults) and 
population subgroups for 
which specific information is 
required are identified and 
described. 
B.5 
Issues relevant to Aboriginal  Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
and Torres Strait Islander 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
peoples (such as particular 
risks, treatment 
 
 
considerations or 
sociocultural considerations) 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Scope and purpose 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
are identified and described. 
 
 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Scope and purpose 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
B.5.1  Issues relevant to special-
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
needs groups such as 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
cultural y and linguistically 
diverse communities or 
 
 
groups with low 
socioeconomic status (e.g. 
particular risks, treatment 
considerations or 
sociocultural considerations) 
are identified and described. 
 
Overal  assessment for Section B: Scope and purpose 
 
(reviewer to complete, select one option) 
 
•  Meets and exceeds requirements 
•  Meets mandatory requirements 
•  Partly meets mandatory requirements 
•  Does not meet mandatory requirements 
 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
Section C: Evidence Review 
The evidence on which the recommendation/s rely is reviewed to the standard of the 2011 NHMRC standard 
and the NHMRC Toolkit publications How to review the evidence: systematic identification and review of the 
scientific literature, and How to use the evidence: assessment and application of scientific evidence. 
 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Evidence review 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
C.1 
Clinical questions addressed  Must appear in guideline and 
Yes / No 
by the guideline are stated in  must appear in the technical 
a structured and consistent 
report 
format to define the 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
boundaries of the topic, i.e. 
Please cut and paste relevant 
by specifying the relevant 
 
sections of guideline or 
population, intervention/s 
administrative report (noting 
(e.g. treatment/s or 
location and page of information) 
diagnostic test/s), 
to inform comments (if 
comparator/s and outcomes 
appropriate). 
measured. 
 
If the answer is NO, provide 
examples to il ustrate the issue. 
C.2 
Systematic searches for 
Must appear in technical report  Yes / No 
evidence are undertaken and  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
the search strategy is 
documented, including the 
 
 
search terms and databases 
searched. 
C.3 
The population groups 
Must appear in technical report  Yes / No 
specified in the search 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
strategy include Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander 
 
 
peoples and any population 
subgroups that have been 
identified (see Requirement 
B.4 and B.5). 
C.4 
The publication period 
Must appear in technical report  Yes / No 
covered by the searches is 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
stated, and the latest date is 
within 12 months of the first 
 
 
day of public consultation 
and within 20 months of 
submission of the final draft 
guideline to NHMRC for 
approval. 
C.5 
The inclusion and exclusion 
Must appear in technical report  Yes / No 
criteria used to select studies  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
for appraisal are described. 
 
 
C.6 
For each clinical question, 
Must appear in technical report  Yes / No 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Evidence review 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
the developer has provided 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
an evidence table, which 
summarises the systematic 
 
 
assessment and critical 
appraisal of all studies that 
meet the inclusion criteria 
(i.e. the body of evidence on 
which a recommendation wil  
be based). Each evidence 
table should include 
information on study design, 
outcomes, level of evidence, 
the findings of meta-analysis 
(if performed) and other 
relevant information. 
C.7 
For each clinical question, 
Must appear in technical report  Yes / No 
the developer has provided 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
an evidence statement form, 
which documents the 
 
 
synthesis and evaluation of 
the body of evidence to 
determine the grade of each 
recommendation, according 
to an NHMRC-approved 
method (NHMRC grades for 
recommendations or 
GRADE). 
C.8 
For each recommendation, 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
the developer has provided 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
an evidence summary, which 
briefly states the outcomes of   
 
each clinical studies on which 
the recommendation was 
based, their level of evidence 
and reference details. 
C.9 
A recommended date for 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
future update of the guideline  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
is identified. 
 
 
 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Evidence review 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
C.3.1  The population groups 
To appear in technical report 
Yes / No 
specified in the search 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
strategy include groups such 
 
as culturally and linguistically   
diverse communities or other 
groups for whom specific 
sociocultural factors 
(including ethnicity, gender, 
age, disability, 
socioeconomic status and 
location) in treatment or 
prevention outcomes should 
be considered. 
C.3.2  Search strategies include 
To appear in technical report 
Yes / No 
search terms to identify 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
evidence related to 
 
 
consumers’ perceptions and 
experiences. 
C.3.3  Dependent on the guideline 
To appear in technical report 
Yes / No 
scope, the search strategy is  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
designed to identify evidence   
 
for all relevant alternatives for 
screening, prevention, 
diagnosis or treatment of the 
condition addressed by the 
guideline, including relevant 
complementary and 
alternative medicine 
approaches. 
C.3.4  Search strategies include 
To appear in technical report 
Yes / No 
search terms to identify 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
evidence related to cost 
 
 
effectiveness and resource 
implications of practice. 
C.8.1  If gaps in the evidence are 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
identified during the evidence  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
review, these are described 
 
 
in the guideline and areas for 
further research are noted. 
 
OVERALL ASSESSMENT FOR SECTION C: Evidence Review 
 
(reviewer to complete) 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
Section D: Guideline recommendations 
The evidence on which the recommendation/s rely is clearly identifiable, and the strength of 
recommendation/s matches the strength of evidence. The recommendations are specific, unambiguous and 
clearly describe the action to be taken. 
 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Guideline recommendations 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
D.1 
The wording of 
Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
recommendations is specific,  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
unambiguous, clearly 
 
Please cut and paste relevant 
describes the action/s to be 
sections of guideline or 
taken by users and matches 
administrative report (noting 
the strength of the body of 
location and page of information) 
evidence according to an 
to inform comments (if 
NHMRC-approved method 
appropriate). 
(NHMRC grades for 
 
recommendations or 
If the answer is NO, provide 
GRADE). 
examples to il ustrate the issue. 
D.2 
The wording of 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
recommendations is writ en 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
in plain English and is 
 
 
consistent throughout the 
guideline. 
D.3 
For each evidence-based 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
recommendation, the 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
supporting references are 
 
 
listed and the grade of 
recommendation is indicated 
according to an NHMRC-
approved method (NHMRC 
grades for recommendations 
or GRADE). 
D.4 
Recommendations 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
formulated in the absence of  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
quality evidence (where a 
 
 
systematic review of the 
evidence was conducted as 
part of the search strategy) 
are clearly labelled as such. 
The preferred term for this 
type of recommendation is a 
consensus-based 
recommendation. 
D.5 
Any further recommendations  Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
included in the guideline, 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
where the subject matter is 
 
 
outside of the scope of 
search strategy, are clearly 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Guideline recommendations 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
labelled as such. The 
preferred term for this type of 
recommendation is a practice 
point. 
D.6 
The method used to arrive at  Must appear in administrative 
Yes / No 
consensus-based 
report and can also appear in 
recommendations or practice  guideline  
points (Requirements D.4 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
and D.5) (e.g. voting or 
 
 
formal methods, such as 
Delphi) is documented. 
D.7 
Areas of major debate about  Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
the evidence and the 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
recommendations are 
 
 
identified and the various 
significant viewpoints are 
outlined in the guideline text 
(even if the guideline 
development working group 
members eventually reached 
a decision). 
D.8 
The strengths and limitations  Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
of the body of evidence 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
reviewed are described in the   
 
guideline text and areas of 
uncertainty are 
acknowledged. 
D.9 
The guideline acknowledges  Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
current national guidelines 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
approved by NHMRC or 
 
 
endorsed by major 
authorities, and any 
deviations from these are 
explicitly noted in the 
guideline text and the 
rationale provided. 
D.10 
Where a guideline makes 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
any recommendation/s 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
specifying intervention/s that   
 
are not available or restricted 
in Australia, the text clearly 
indicates this, and the 
developer has consulted the 
relevant authority/ies (see 
Requirements F.3). 
D.11 
Where evidence is identified 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Guideline recommendations 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
showing that Aboriginal and 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
Torres Strait Islander peoples   
 
or other population groups 
have specific treatment or 
prevention outcomes, this 
evidence is clearly identified 
and considered in the 
formulation of the 
recommendations. 
D.12 
The harms (risks or side 
Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
effects) and benefits of each  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
recommended intervention 
 
 
and its alternatives are 
described in the guideline 
text and the rationale for the 
recommendation is 
explained. 
D.13 
Any safety, legal or potential  Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
misuse issues related to the 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
clinical recommendations are   
 
identified and described in 
the guideline text. 
D.14 
The potential impact of each  Must appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
recommendation on clinical 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
practice or outcomes is 
 
 
described in the text. 
D.15 
The guideline and 
Must appear in administrative 
Yes / No 
recommendations have been  report 
assessed by at least two 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
reviewers, independent of the   
 
guideline development 
process, using the AGREE II 
instrument 
 
 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Guideline recommendations 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
D.2.1  Recommendations are 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
formulated using consistent 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Guideline recommendations 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
grammar, syntax and 
 
 
wordings, so they can readily 
be adapted for electronic 
implementation strategies 
(e.g. electronic decision 
support systems and 
automatic data col ection). 
D.8.1  Recommendations that are 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
likely to be affected by new 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
evidence after the guideline 
 
has been approved (e.g. 
 
major clinical trials underway 
at the time of guideline 
publication) are identified and 
the implications for the 
guideline recommendations 
are explained in the guideline 
text. 
D.9.1  Clinical recommendations 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
that deviate from current 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
practice are identified. 
 
 
D.9.2  The resource implications 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
and cost effectiveness of any  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
recommended practice, 
 
compared with current or 
 
established practice, are 
explicitly stated in the 
guideline text. 
D.11.1  Where evidence is identified 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
showing that sociocultural 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
factors (including ethnicity, 
 
gender, age, disability, 
 
socioeconomic status and 
location) affect treatment or 
prevention outcomes (see 
Requirement C.3.1), this 
evidence is clearly identified 
and considered in the 
formulation of the 
recommendations. 
D.12.1  Absolute measures of both 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
efficacy and harm are stated  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
for each management option 
 
where evidence is available, 
 
e.g. expressed as number 
needed to treat (NNT), 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Guideline recommendations 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
number needed to screen 
(NNS), or number needed to 
harm (NNH) as relevant to 
the recommendation. 
D.13.1  Ethical issues are considered  To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
when formulating the 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
recommendations and any 
 
such issues identified and 
 
described. 
D.16 
If evidence for 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
complementary and 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
alternative medicine options 
 
is identified, the risks and 
 
benefits of these are stated in 
the guideline text and 
appropriate 
recommendations included. 
D.17 
If there is a lack of rigorous 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
evidence for a 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
complementary and 
 
alternative medicine/therapy 
 
commonly used in practice, 
this is explicitly stated in the 
guideline text. 
D.18 
Recommendations that 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
consider consumer self-
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
management options are 
 
included, where relevant. 
 
D.19 
Recommendations 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
emphasise consumer and 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
carer involvement in 
 
treatment and care decisions,   
where relevant. 
 
OVERALL ASSESSMENT FOR SECTION D: Guideline recommendations 
 
(reviewer to complete, select one option) 
 
•  Meets and exceeds requirements 
•  Meets mandatory requirements 
•  Partly meets mandatory requirements 
•  Does not meet mandatory requirements 
 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
Section E: Guideline structure and style 
The layout of the Guideline is well designed with a table of contents and summary pages providing access to 
key information. The Guideline is writ en in plain English with a reading age appropriate to the specified target 
audience. 
 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Guideline structure and style 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
E.1 
The guideline includes a title  Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
page listing: 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
(i) the date of publication 
 
Please cut and paste relevant 
(ii) the authorship 
sections of guideline or 
(organisation or individuals) 
administrative report (noting 
(ii ) the publisher 
location and page of information) 
(iv) copyright information 
to inform comments (if 
including the copyright holder 
appropriate). 
(v) address for requesting 
 
permission to reproduce 
If the answer is NO, provide 
material in the text 
examples to il ustrate the issue. 
(vi) the ISBN number 
(vi ) a preferred citation for 
the guideline publication. 
E.2 
The guideline is easy to 
Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
navigate and includes a table  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
of contents. 
 
 
E.3 
The guideline includes a brief  Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
(e.g. 1-page) plain English 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
summary. 
 
 
E.4 
The guideline includes an 
Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
executive summary that lists  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
all recommendations and 
 
 
their grade using an 
NHMRC-approved method 
(NHMRC grades for 
recommendations or 
GRADE). 
E.5 
A glossary of technical terms,  Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
acronyms and abbreviations 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
is provided, and terms are 
 
 
used consistently throughout 
the guideline. 
E.6 
Where medicines are 
Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
mentioned in the guideline, 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
generic names are used and   
 
brand names are avoided. 
E.7 
The document design and 
Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
layout enables 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
recommendations to be 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
21 

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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Guideline structure and style 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
identified easily within the 
text. 
E.8 
References in the text are 
Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
clearly identified and the 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
citations clearly listed. 
 
 
For electronic references, the 
source location (e.g. website 
address) and date accessed 
is stated. 
E.9 
Chapter and heading levels 
Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
are consistent, clearly 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
distinguishable by the 
 
 
document design and layout, 
and assist with the navigation 
throughout each topic of the 
guideline. 
E.10  The guideline information is 
Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
sequenced in a logical 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
manner which is applicable to   
 
the intended end user. 
E.11  The technical report is either  Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
(i) included in the guideline 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
document, or (i ) provided in 
 
 
a readily accessible location, 
such as a website, which is 
indicated in the guideline. 
E.12  The administrative report is 
Must appear in guideline  
Yes / No 
either (i) included in the 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
guideline document, or 
 
 
(i ) provided in a readily 
accessible location, such as 
a website, which is indicated 
in the guideline. 
 
 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Guideline structure and style 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
E.2.1  An index is included. 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
22 

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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Guideline structure and style 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
 
 
E.2.2  If the guideline is published in  To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
PDF format, bookmarks are 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
provided to facilitate 
 
navigation. 
 
E.2.3  If the guideline is published 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
as a web page, hyperlinks 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
are provided to facilitate 
 
navigation. 
 
E.3.1  Plain English is used for all 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
guideline text. 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
 
 
E.4.1  A summary of 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
recommendations is 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
available as a separate 
 
document, and the guideline   
text states where to obtain 
this document. 
E.7.1  The design of the guideline 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
(printed or electronic) is 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
suitable for people with visual 
 
impairment. 
 
 
OVERALL ASSESSMENT FOR SECTION E: Guideline structure and style 
 
(reviewer to complete, select one option) 
 
•  Meets and exceeds requirements 
•  Meets mandatory requirements 
•  Partly meets mandatory requirements 
•  Does not meet mandatory requirements 
 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
23 

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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
Section F: Public consultation 
The public consultation on the draft version of the guideline has been undertaken and the public consultation 
process complies with Section 14A of the NHMRC Act 1992. The developer has consulted with Director-
General/CMO of each State Health Department, relevant authorities, key professional organisations and 
consumers. Details of the public submission received during public consultation and responses from the 
guideline developer are clearly documented and supplied as a separate document to NHMRC. 
 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Public consultation 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative or  information relating to the 
technical report including page  requirement. 
number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
F.1 
The process for public 
Must appear in  administrative  Yes / No 
consultation on the draft 
report 
guideline complies with 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
Section 14A of the 
 
Please cut and paste relevant 
Commonwealth National 
sections of guideline or 
Health and Medical Research 
administrative report (noting 
Council Act 1992 and 
location and page of information) 
accompanying regulations. 
to inform comments (if 
appropriate). 
 
If the answer is NO, provide 
examples to il ustrate the issue. 
F.2 
Details of submissions 
Must appear in the public 
Yes / No 
received during public 
consultations submissions 
consultation and the 
summary 
response of the guideline 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
development working group 
 
 
to the submissions (including 
whether, why and how the 
guideline was altered) are 
provided as a separate 
document to the NHMRC. 
F.3 
During the public consultation  Must appear in the 
Yes / No 
period, the developer has 
administrative report and the 
undertaken and documented  public consultation 
consultation with: 
submissions summary 
- the Director-General, Chief  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
Executive or Secretary of 
 
 
each state, territory and 
Commonwealth health 
department 
- relevant authority/ies, when 
a guideline makes any 
recommendation/s 
specifying interventions 
that are not available or 
restricted in Australia (see 
Requirement D.10). 
F.4 
The developer has identified  Must appear in the 
Yes / No 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
24 

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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Public consultation 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative or  information relating to the 
technical report including page  requirement. 
number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
and consulted with key 
administrative report and the 
professional organisations 
public consultation 
(such as specialty colleges) 
submissions summary 
and consumer organisations  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
that wil  be involved in, or 
 
 
affected by, the 
implementation of the clinical 
recommendations of the 
guideline. 
 
 
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Public consultation 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative or  information relating to the 
technical report including page  requirement. 
number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
F.2.1  A version of the public 
To appear in administrative 
Yes / No 
consultation submissions 
report 
summary is publicly 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
available, with submissions 
 
 
de-identified. 
 
OVERALL ASSESSMENT FOR SECTION F: Public consultation 
 
(reviewer to complete) 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
25 

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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
Section G: Dissemination and implementation of guidelines 
A dissemination and/or implementation plan is submitted as set out in the NHMRC Toolkit publication How to 
put the evidence into practice: implementation and dissemination strategies. Specifical y, key 
recommendations likely to lead to improvements in health outcomes are highlighted for consideration in 
implementation.  
 
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Dissemination and implementation of guidelines 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
G.1 
A plan for the dissemination 
Must appear in dissemination 
Yes / No 
of the guideline is submit ed 
plan 
as a separate document from  Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
the clinical practice guideline.   
Please cut and paste relevant 
sections of guideline or 
administrative report (noting 
location and page of information) 
to inform comments (if 
appropriate). 
 
If the answer is NO, provide 
examples to il ustrate the issue. 
G.2 
Key recommendations that 
Must appear in dissemination 
Yes / No 
are most likely to lead to 
plan 
improvements in health 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
outcomes are highlighted for   
 
consideration in 
implementation. 
 
 
DESIREABLE REQUIREMENTS: Dissemination and implementation of guidelines 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
G.3 
A practical implementation 
To appear in Implementation 
Yes / No 
plan is provided as a 
plan (may also be part of 
separate document, based 
dissemination plan) 
on considerations of the 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
Australian health care 
 
context and identification of 
 
appropriate organisation/s 
where the key 
recommendations may be 
directed. 
G.4 
Resources to support 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
26 

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NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
DESIREABLE REQUIREMENTS: Dissemination and implementation of guidelines 
 
 
Location of information 
Notes pertaining to assessment of 
relevant to each requirement 
requirement or location of 
(i.e. guideline, administrative 
information relating to the 
or technical report including 
requirement. 
page number/s). 
 
 
Guideline developer to 
Methodological reviewer to 
complete 
complete 
implementation of the 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
guidelines are developed, 
 
such as summaries and other   
tools for dif erent health care 
professionals, and the 
guideline indicates where 
these can be obtained. 
G.5 
Accompanying consumer 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
information is provided. 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
 
 
G.6 
Versions of the plain English  To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
summary and consumer 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
information are available in 
 
dif erent languages, if 
 
appropriate. 
G.7 
Suggestions for local 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
adaptation and adoption of 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
the guideline are provided. 
 
 
G.8 
Measures are developed for 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
determining the extent to 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
which key guideline 
 
recommendations are 
 
implemented. 
G.9 
An evaluation strategy is 
To appear in guideline 
Yes / No 
developed and described to 
Document(s); section; page(s) 
Comment: 
assess the extent to which 
 
guideline recommendations 
 
are adopted into routine 
practice. 
 
OVERALL ASSESSMENT FOR SECTION G: Dissemination and implementation of guidelines 
 
(reviewer to complete, select one option) 
 
•  Meets and exceeds requirements 
•  Meets mandatory requirements 
•  Partly meets mandatory requirements 
•  Does not meet mandatory requirements 
 
 
NHMRC: METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW TEMPLATE – USING THE 2011 STANDARD TO ASSESS CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 
<INSERT GUIDELINE TITLE> 
27 

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   VERSION: 2   |   EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/02/14
PROGRESS REPORT TEMPLATE
To confirm the intention to seek the National Health and 
5.  Describe the processes to be used for declaration and 
Medical Research Council (NHMRC) approval for a clinical 
management of competing interests for all people involved in 
practice guideline, the developer must submit a progress report 
the guideline development process.
approximately 6 months (and not later than 3 months) before 
6.  Describe the processes that will be/are being used to ensure 
the draft guideline is released for public consultation. NHMRC 
consumer perspectives are incorporated in the guideline.
will inform the developer in writing if any major issues or gaps in 
the development process are identified within 4- 8 weeks from 
7.  List the organisations (if any) that will be approached to 
receipt of the progress report.
endorse the guideline.
Scope and purpose
The progress report should be submitted 
electronically to NHMRC at:  
8.  List the clinical research questions which are being 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx
addressed by the guideline that inform the evidence review.
9.  List the population groups to which the guideline 
Please ensure the full guideline title is included 
recommendations will apply and any population subgroups 
at the start of the progress report. The progress 
for whom specific information may be required (such as risks 
report should not exceed 15 pages in length.
or treatment considerations).
10. List any issues (such as particular risks, treatment 
If delays occur in the guideline development which alter the 
considerations or sociocultural considerations) identified as 
timeframes for the public consultation and/or final submission 
relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples or any 
dates, further progress reports may be requested by NHMRC. 
other groups (eg culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) 
groups) which will be considered as part of the guideline 
Governance and stakeholders
scope, and describe how these issues have been addressed 
in the evidence review and formulation of recommendations.
1.  List the key organisation or organisations responsible for 
development and publication of the guideline.
Evidence review
2.  List the sources of all funding for the development of the 
11.  List the names of the evidence experts who will be involved in 
guideline and its publication. 
the search and appraisal of the literature (if not provided at 4).
3.  Describe the processes for ensuring editorial independence 
12. List the publication date cut points (as month/year) for  
from funders.
all evidence searches, including any differences if multiple 
4.  List all the people involved in the guideline development 
searches were completed as part of the evidence  
process (including discipline/expertise, organisational 
review process.
affiliation and role in the guideline development process).
 |   PAGE 1 of 2  

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Recommendations
Dissemination and implementation
13. List the types of recommendations which have been or 
18. List the organisations/agencies who will be responsible  
will be derived from the clinical questions. For example, 
for the implementation of the final guideline.
these may include recommendations based on a systematic 
19. Provide a summary of the dissemination plan for the  
evidence review, recommendations developed where a 
final guideline.
systematic evidence review was conducted and low quality 
or no evidence was identified (and consensus processes may 
20. List the tools and resources that will be developed to 
have been used) and recommendations developed to provide 
accompany the guidelines.
additional information to support recommendations where a 
Key dates
systematic evidence review was not conducted (sometimes 
called practice points or points of note).
21.  Provide the start and end dates for the public consultation 
14. Describe the process which will be used to reach expert or 
period.
group consensus in the development of recommendations.
22. Provide the intended submission date of the final draft 
guideline for NHMRC approval.
Consultation
General
15. Indicate whether any recommendations will specify the use 
of medicines or services that are currently not available or 
23. Summarise any difficulties or delays which have been 
restricted in Australia, and how the relevant authority/ies will 
encountered in progressing the development of the 
be consulted.
guideline to date.
16. List any organisations/individuals that will be specifically 
24. Provide details of any controversial or contentious issues 
approached to provide comment on the guideline. 
associated with the guideline content or development process.
17. Describe the processes that are in place to collaborate with 
organisations that are producing/have produced advice 
in related areas. For example they may be involved in the 
review of evidence, review of drafts, and/ or notified when 
potentially conflicting recommendations are proposed.
   VERSION: 2   |  EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/02/14   |   PAGE 2 of 2  

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VERSION: 3  |  EFFECTIVE DATE: 16/12/2016
VERSION: 2   |   EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/02/14
PUBLIC CONSULTATION INFORMATION FOR  
GUIDELINE DEVELOPERS SEEKING NHMRC APPROVAL 
OF THEIR GUIDELINE
The National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 (the 
• 
a statement that the draft guideline will be submitted to 
NHMRC Act) allows the National Health and Medical Research 
NHMRC for its approval under section 14A of the NHMRC 
Council (NHMRC) to approve clinical practice guidelines 
Act
developed by external organisations.  NHMRC approval indicates 
that these guidelines are of a high quality, based on the best 
• 
instructions on how to make a submission, where a copy 
available scientific evidence and developed to rigorous standards 
of the draft guideline can be obtained and the closing date 
including public consultation.  
(which must be at least 30 days from the first date of 
publishing the notice)
This information document is written for guideline developers 
seeking NHMRC approval of their clinical practice guideline 
• 
your contact details such as a telephone number and/or 
and provides you with information about NHMRC’s public 
mailing address for alternative methods of submissions. 
consultation requirements.
While NHMRC no longer requires you to advertise public 
consultation in a national newspaper, you may wish to use other 
Notifying NHMRC of public consultation methods such as media releases and public events, and you may 
wish to undertake additional consultation at any time during the 
Guideline developers must liaise with their nominated NHMRC 
guideline’s development.
project officer to ensure the draft guideline and details of 
public consultation, including dates, web links and submission 
NHMRC will support your public consultation by publishing a 
requirements are provided to NHMRC at least five days prior to 
notice on the NHMRC website, in the NHMRC Health Tracker 
the start date of the public consultation period.
email newsletter and through an email alert to subscribers of the 
NHMRC public consultation subscription service.
Releasing your guideline for public 
NHMRC will also advise its Council Members of the release 
consultation
of your guideline for public consultation; they will be invited to 
provide comments directly to you in their individual capacity.
The NHMRC Act requires that externally developed guidelines 
are released for public consultation for a minimum of 30 days, 
You may also wish to consider providing your guideline 
and requires developers to invite submissions and to have regard 
electronically in more than one format.
to all submissions received. 
As developer you must publish a consultation notice on a publicly 
accessible website which includes the following information:
• 
the developer’s name and logo 
• 
the name of the draft guideline/guidelines

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Contacting specific groups during 
• 
an overview of the submissions received, including 
public consultation
the number of submissions, the types of individuals or 
organisations from whom submissions were received and 
recurring themes in submissions (including any potential 
Where guidelines include specific recommendations about 
contentious issues and how they were addressed)
interventions that are restricted or not available in Australia, and 
which require (or would be supported by) a change in service 
• 
an overview of main decisions taken in response to 
delivery, you should send a public consultation draft guideline 
submission comments.
to relevant government agencies, such as the Therapeutic 
Goods Administration (TGA), the Pharmaceutical Benefits 
2. A list of the submissions and corresponding responses, 
Advisory Committee (PBAC) and the Medical Services Advisory 
rebuttals or changes made to the guideline by the developer, 
Committee (MSAC). Your covering correspondence should 
organised either thematically or to correspond with sections of 
specifically highlight the recommendation(s) in question.
the guideline.
At the public consultation stage you should identify and consult 
• 
It is suggested that any responses (including nil responses) 
with key organisations that will be involved in, or affected by, the 
where advice has been sought from relevant authorities and 
implementation of the clinical recommendations of the guideline. 
key organisations are documented and clearly highlighted in 
This may include:
the public consultation submissions table.
• 
specialist colleges whose members are target users, or 
If the public consultation report you send to NHMRC contains 
which will disseminate the guideline to members
de-identified public consultation submissions please provide an 
additional list of the organisations that have provided comment 
• 
organisations with an interest in the  guideline topic 
at public consultation. 
(including consumer organisations).
For further information please contact your NHMRC project 
In addition you are asked to notify and invite submissions from 
officer via xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx or call 02 6217 9000.
the Consumers Health Forum of Australia.
Draft guideline and references to 
NHMRC
Developers should ensure that the public consultation 
draft guideline is clearly marked to indicate its draft status.  
Developers should ensure that if references to NHMRC approval 
are made within the guideline, these should clearly state that 
the draft guideline is proposed for submission to the NHMRC 
for approval under section 14A of the NHMRC Act 1992.  
Developers should seek advice from their NHMRC project officer 
regarding references to NHMRC or NHMRC approval in their 
guideline by contacting xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx.
Collation of public consultation 
submissions
When collating public consultation submission it is suggested 
that the following information is included:
1. A summary of the consultation process:
• 
dates of consultation and where details of the public 
consultation were published
VER
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Document Outline

• 6b_methodological_review_template_version_1_131118 (10)_AD.pdf
  • NHMRC: Methodological review template
  • Using the 2011 NHMRC Standard to assess clinical practice guidelines
  • For Guideline Developers

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