title: Clinical Consensus Statement Development Manual.
abstract: Clinical consensus statements reflect opinions drafted by content experts for which consensus is sought using explicit methodology to identify areas of agreement and disagreement. In contrast to clinical practice guidelines, which are based primarily on high-level evidence, clinical consensus statements are more applicable to situations where evidence is limited or lacking, yet there are still opportunities to reduce uncertainty and improve quality of care. This manual describes methodology used by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation to promote rapid and consistent development of clinical consensus statements for its membership. Although the manual contains specific practices relevant to the Academy, the principles are also explained and may help other organizations create similar products.
authors.affiliation: SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA richrosenfeld@msn.com.
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Rosenfeld
authors.affiliation: Department of Research and Quality, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Lorraine C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Nnacheta
authors.affiliation: Department of Research and Quality, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Maureen D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Corrigan
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D003697:Delphi Technique; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic
keywords: Delphi process; clinical consensus statement; clinical practice guidelines; evidence-based medicine