WHO's Rapid Advice Guidelines for Avian Influenza
Author Information
Author(s): Holger J. Schünemann, Suzanne R. Hill, Meetali Kakad, Gunn E. Vist, Richard Bellamy, Lauren Stockman, Torbjørn Fosen Wisløff, Timothy M. Uyeki, Jeremy Farrar, Yazdan Yazdanpanah, Howard Zucker, John Beigel, Tawee Chotpitayasunondh, Tran Tinh Hien, Bülent Özbay, Norio Sugaya, Andrew D. Oxman
Primary Institution: World Health Organization
Hypothesis
How can the WHO develop rapid advice guidelines for managing avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection?
Conclusion
The WHO can develop evidence-based guidelines systematically and transparently in as little as two months, but the process is costly and may not be feasible for low- and middle-income countries.
Supporting Evidence
- The guidelines were developed in response to requests from frontline clinicians managing H5N1 infections.
- The process took approximately two months, including assembling a team and preparing evidence profiles.
- The quality of the underlying evidence for all recommendations was rated as very low.
Takeaway
The WHO created quick guidelines to help doctors treat a dangerous flu virus, but it took a lot of teamwork and time to gather the right information.
Methodology
The WHO convened a panel of experts to review evidence and develop guidelines for treating avian influenza A (H5N1) based on systematic reviews and expert consensus.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to conflicts of interest among panel members and reliance on low-quality evidence.
Limitations
The rapid process limited detailed consideration of all clinical questions, and important evidence may have been missed.
Participant Demographics
Panel included clinical, methodological, and basic science experts, as well as representatives from low- and middle-income countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website