Any group or individual may propose a guideline topic to SIGN (application form) (rtf format 96K).

Principles of Topic Selection

Guideline topics are selected for inclusion in the core programme on the basis of burden of disease, the existence of variation in practice, and the potential to improve outcome (selection criteria).

Topic Selection Process

1. Completed application forms are considered by the SIGN Executive senior management team. They will exclude any proposals that are inappropriate for guideline development (eg where the development of standards, health technology appraisals or local protocols would be more suitable).
2. Following this initial screen the proposer will be asked to develop a full proposal form (rtf format 85K) in conjunction with SIGN. SIGN Executive will also undertake scoping searches, to gauge the quantity of supporting evidence, and will seek additional relevant public health and epidemiological information and input from patient representatives.
3. Completed proposal forms are then considered by the Guideline Programme Advisory Group (GPAG), a subgroup of SIGN Council.
4. GPAG use the criteria outlined below to select which proposals should be accepted for guideline development. Healthcare Improvement Scotland is represented on GPAG to ensure that, wherever possible, SIGN’s programme is complementary to the development of standards and health technology appraisals. GPAG also considers the work programmes of other guideline developers, in particular guidelines that have been commissioned by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) in England and Wales, to avoid potential duplication of effort.
5. The prioritisation and selection undertaken by GPAG is discussed and ratified at an annual topic selection meeting of SIGN Council.

The following criteria are considered by GPAG when assessing proposals:

Criteria for selection of topics for guideline development

• Areas of medical uncertainty as evidenced by wide variation in practice or outcome
• Conditions where effective treatment is proven and where mortality or morbidity can be reduced
• Iatrogenic diseases or interventions carrying significant risks or cost
• Clinical priority areas for NHSScotland: presently, coronary heart disease and stroke, cancer and mental health. The strategic aims of the NHS in Scotland are also considered: improving health and tackling inequalities, especially with regard to children and young people, developing primary and community care and reshaping hospital services
• The perceived need for a guideline, as indicated by a network of relevant stakeholders.

Funding for guideline development

Agreement by SIGN Council does not guarantee funding support for development of the guideline. The proposed programme must be approved by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, who provide the funding for SIGN.

Application Forms

To propose a topic for SIGN-sponsored guideline development, please complete the application form (rtf format 96K), and return to the SIGN Executive, Gyle Square, 1 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9EB. The full proposal form (rtf format 85K) that must eventually be submitted to the Guideline Programme Advisory Group can also be downloaded.

If you have any queries, please contact Roberta James, SIGN Programme Lead. (tel: 0131 623 4735, e-mail roberta.james@nhs.net).