The RCGP and other professional organisations have representation on the body which decides the clinical topics suitable for guideline development. Individual GPs also have a crucial role in both the development and implementation of NICE guidelines. They can become involved with the work of the National Collaborating Centres at national and local level. At national level, GPs can influence strategy through membership at board level of collaborating centres and NICE business committees. They can also join Guideline Development Groups as a GP representative – the RCGP is frequently approached by Collaborating Centre’s to nominate college members with relevant clinical interests.
A further role for GPs is to chair a guidelines group. GPs are particularly well suited to chair as they often combine a clinical knowledge of the area with excellent small group facilitation and management skills. The Lipid Modification, Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Medicines Concordance, and Low Back Pain guidelines have a GP chair. At local level, GPs can influence implementation of published guidelines by promoting their use both within their own practice and within their Primary Care Organization. Given the current pressure on the NHS, implementation is a challenge. It is essential that the NICE and healthcare professionals in primary care work together to find the most effective and feasible ways of making the best use of guidelines.
If you would like to be nominated by the College as representative or chair of a guideline development group, please register as an Expert Resource.