A memorandum of understanding has facilitated guideline development involving collaborating groups

Murad Alam*, Thomas Sd Getchius, Holger Schünemann, Yasser Sami Amer, Aggie Bak, Lisa A Fatheree, Pamela Ginex, Priya Jakhmola, Gemma L Marsden, Emma McFarlane, Martin Meremikwu, Nichole Taske, Robyn L Temple-Smolkin, Christina Ventura, Jako Burgers, Lisa Bradfield, Mary Dolan O'Brien, Kaitlin Einhaus, Ina B Kopp, Zachary MunnLuigia Scudeller, Corinna Schaefer, Sarah A Ibrahim, Bianca Y Kang, Toju Ogunremi, Rebecca L Morgan, Guidelines International Network (GIN) Guidelines Collaboration Working Group

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Collaboration between groups can facilitate the development of high-quality guidelines. While collaboration is often desirable, misunderstandings can occur. One method to minimize misunderstandings is the pre-specification of terms of engagement in a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This study considered when an MOU may be most helpful, and which key elements should be included.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: An international panel of representatives from guideline groups was convened. A literature review to identify publications and other documents relevant to the establishment of MOUs between two or more guideline groups, supplemented by available source documents, was used to inform development of a draft MOU resource. This was iteratively refined until consensus was achieved.

RESULTS: The level of detail in an MOU may vary based on institutional preferences and the particular collaboration. Elements within an MOU include those pertaining to: (1) scope and purpose; (2) leadership and team; (3) methods and commitment; (4) review and endorsement; and (5) publication and dissemination.

CONCLUSION: Since groups may have different expectations regarding how a collaboration will unfold, an MOU may mitigate preventable misunderstandings. The result may be a higher likelihood of producing a guideline without disruption and delay.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8-15
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Clinical Epidemiology
Volume144
Early online date16 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2022

Keywords

  • Collaborating
  • Collaboration
  • Groups
  • Guideline
  • Memorandum
  • Understanding

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