A memorandum of understanding has facilitated guideline development involving collaborating groups

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 con...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical epidemiology 2022-04, Vol.144, p.8-15
Main Authors: Alam, Murad, Getchius, Thomas SD, Schünemann, Holger, Amer, Yasser Sami, Bak, Aggie, Fatheree, Lisa A, Ginex, Pamela, Jakhmola, Priya, Marsden, Gemma L, McFarlane, Emma, Meremikwu, Martin, Taske, Nichole, Temple-Smolkin, Robyn L, Ventura, Christina, Burgers, Jako, Bradfield, Lisa, O'Brien, Mary Dolan, Einhaus, Kaitlin, Kopp, Ina B, Munn, Zachary, Scudeller, Luigia, Schaefer, Corinna, Ibrahim, Sarah A, Kang, Bianca Y, Ogunremi, Toju, Morgan, Rebecca L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agreements
Clinical medicine
Collaborating
Collaboration
Documents
Epidemiology
Groups
Guideline
Leadership
Literature reviews
Memoranda
Memorandum
Understanding
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Summary: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. 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. 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. 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.
ISSN:0895-4356
1878-5921
DOI:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.12.022