APA Policy for the Badging, Endorsement and Support of Guidelines

APAGBI Guideline Process

The APAGBI is often asked to participate in joint publications with other organisations, or to support publications produced by other organisations that have already been prepared. More recently, this has extended to developing or supporting electronic media.

The following taxonomy is proposed for both printed and electronic publications. This does not apply to links with commercial organisations or industry.

This policy is endorsed by the RCoA and AAGBI, and it is accepted that each Council reserves the right to apply this process flexibly (e.g. the WHO Safer Surgery Checklist).

Joint Publications

• The organisation was involved from the start of the project and was represented throughout the preparation of the publication.
• A Service Level Agreement will often have been in place.
• The organisation has had the chance to comment on the final document and make suggestions for change.
• The final draft has been approved by Council*.
• The final document will bear the badge of the organisation in the print version.

Endorsement

• The organisation is asked to review a finished document or electronic media from another source, without the opportunity to influence or change it.
• Notwithstanding this, the organisation believes the document is valuable and no significant reservations are expressed by Council*.
• The final document will state it has been endorsed, but will not bear the badge of the organisation.

Support

• The organisation is asked to review a finished document or electronic media from another source, without the opportunity to influence or change it.
• The organisation believes the general principles are of value, but has reservations about the scope, relevance, or method.
• The final document will state it is supported, but will not bear the badge of the organisation.

Not Supported

• The organisation is asked to review a finished document or electronic media, but does not agree with one or more aspects of its scope, relevance, method, or recommendations.
• The document or electronic media is not supported.

*The process for final approval may vary between anaesthetic bodies.

CGS 30.10.12
Approved by APAGBI Council November 2012