gms | German Medical Science

Background: Dutch guideline-developing organizations do not focus systematically on differences between men and women when developing guidelines, although there is increasing evidence that gender has an impact on health outcomes.

Objective: To improve incorporating gender differences in guidelines.

Methods: Experts on guideline development interested in gender-related factors collaborated on the development of a tool on how to improve a gender perspective in guidelines. A group of guideline developers, guideline users, implementation experts and policy makers commented on drafts of the tool concerning its content and applicability.

Results: The final tool contains recommendations, checklists and examples, for systematically paying attention to gender-related factors during: 1. Composing the guideline development group; 2. Selecting key clinical issues; 3. Searching the literature (including possible search terms and search filters); 4. Judging the literature; 5. Formulating conclusions and recommendations; 6. Identifying possible 'gaps of knowledge'.

Discussion: This tool will help formulating specific recommendations for male and female populations. Evaluation of its use in various guideline projects will yield further information on its usefulness and applicability. A next step will be to disseminate and implement the tool internationally.

Implication for guideline developers/users: Availability of a tool with the aim of improving the consideration of gender differences in clinical guideline development. This tool is part of a toolbox with the aim of facilitating the development, implementation and evaluation of high quality guidelines.