[Evidence-based guidelines in nephrology].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The preparation of evidence-based guidelines by the Nephrology Societies is fundamental to improve long-term outcomes of patients with chronic kidney diseases. However, this is a complex process and requires the interaction of clinicians and experts in epidemiology methods, and researchers and research enterprises. METHODS: In this review, we present the potential structure of a body for the coordination and development of evidence-based guidelines in a nephrology society and we address the major problems that can arise in this process describing strategies that could be used to overcome them. RESULTS: The development of evidence-based nephrology guidelines requires a structure; this should consist of a coordinating center and a number of working groups. The working groups is to identify specific research questions and to develop and synthetize the evidence in answer to the questions proposed. This shall be done in collaboration with the coordinating center. Draft guidelines produced by this process should be peer reviewed, disseminated and implemented. CONCLUSIONS: The development of evidence-based nephrology guidelines is a challenge for individual nephrology societies. These guidelines are different from typical research publications in that their success does not lie in the final publication, but in the actual dissemination and implementation, which is in the improvement of patient outcomes and its measurement.