SIGN 100 Training

Welcome to SIGN 100.

SIGN 100 is an online resource offering an introduction to SIGN.  It is designed for people with a non-clinical background taking part in guideline development. 

The modules aim to:

• explain how we develop clinical guidelines for the NHS in Scotland
• explain the methods we use to develop clinical guidelines
• help you understand how we involve people with lived experience and the public in our work.

In our modules, we've used the term ‘people with lived experience’ to refer to those involved who have first-hand knowledge of conditions, such as:

• people living with conditions
• service users
• unpaid caregivers
• family members and friends of people with conditions.

We recommend that you complete the modules in order, however modules can be revisited at any time. 

At the end of each module, you will complete an interactive quiz to check your learning.  There are links to further resources if you wish to continue learning about a particular topic. 

If you have any issues with the training or modules, please contact

his.signpublicandpatientinvolvement@nhs.scot

Module summaries

Module 1

This module explains how the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) develops evidence-based guidelines with input from diverse professionals and lived experience representatives to improve healthcare in Scotland.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Explain the role of SIGN.
2. Describe the structure and responsibilities of SIGN Council and SIGN Executive.
3. Understand how SIGN guidelines are developed based on evidence and public input.

Module 2

This module explains who sits on guideline development groups to make sure recommendations are practical and beneficial for patients.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify the roles within a guideline development group.
2. Understand the responsibilities of the group chair and other members.
3. Explain the importance and roles of lived experience representatives.

Module 3

This module covers the basics of research and evidence in healthcare, explaining how different types of research is done and how evidence is gathered to inform guidelines.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods and their significance in healthcare decision-making.
2. Understand how research studies are identified and selected for inclusion in guideline development, using key questions to guide the search process.
3. Understand how to assess the quality of a study by looking at things like study design, participant recruitment, blinding, statistical analysis and bias.
4. Recognise the importance of existing guidelines.

Module 4

This module explains how we turn evidence into recommendations.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Understand how evidence is analysed and turned into recommendations.
2. Understand the different levels of evidence, from systematic reviews to personal opinion.

3. Understand why recommendations are rated strong or weak by looking at how good the evidence is and weighing up its benefits against any harms.
4. Explain why wording recommendations sensitively is important.
5. Recognise the use of good practice points to highlight practical advice when evidence is lacking.

Module 5

This module covers the consultation process for SIGN guidelines.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Explain how SIGN gathers feedback on guidelines.
2. Understand the importance of input from various stakeholders, including health and social care professionals, third sector organisations and people with lived experience.
3. Explain the role peer review in finalising guidelines for publication and dissemination.

Module 6

This module covers the structure of guidelines, including why they're needed and who they're for. It also explains different versions of guidelines.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Understand the structure of guidelines.
2. Explain the different versions of guidelines and their purpose.
3. Recognise the importance of plain language versions of guidelines.
4. Understand the importance of producing and consulting on plain language versions to ensure readability and relevance.

Module 7

This module focuses on promoting and implementing guidelines. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Recognise the role of distribution coordinators in each health board in guideline dissemination.
2. Explain how third sector organisations can support guideline promotion and implementation.
3. Understand the barriers to implementation and strategies to address them.
4. Understand the process of reviewing and updating guidelines.