Evaluation of Consistency, Generalizability, Applicability of Recommendations about Pharmacological Treatment of Osterarthritis using RAND Method

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: When research based evidence is not sufficient, clinical practice guidelines can be based on opinions. In such situations, formal consensus development methods, often based on the modified nominal group techniques are widely used. It can be used to evaluate consistency, generalizability, applicability of recommendation when evidence comes from other countries. METHODS: To develop evidence based guidelines for osterarthritis pharmacotherapy, a consensus expert panel consisting of internists, family physicians, methodologists, and orthopedic surgeons were convened. After an extensive structured literature searching and evaluation, evidence statements for key question were developed. Rating methods for consistency, generalizability, applicability of statement were adopted from those jointly developed by Rand and the University of California, Los Angeles. RESULTS: We developed 27 evidence statements in 17 question domains. Among 72 rating items, 62 items reached agreement. Among 15 recommendations, 10 recommendation grading were A, 2 were B, and 3 were C. CONCLUSION: When research based evidence is not sufficient, clinical practice guidelines can be based on formal consensus of experts, especially modified nominal group techniques. It can be used to evaluate consistency, generalizability, applicability of recommendation when evidence comes from other countries.