Five existing PICOs with quarterly update decisions
Real sources · Illustrative request · Sample version
Customer question
Hypothetical commission: a published guideline’s secretariat monitors important trials and corrections.
Does new information trigger substantive updates, and what is delivered when nothing changes?
Predefined rules produce trigger rationale and scope. No-update scans still deliver dates/coverage; substantive updates need separate approval.
Quarterly surveillance and triggers
| Check / stage | Chart content |
|---|---|
| Scan five PICOs | Preserve dates, databases, additions and corrections |
| Compare baseline | Assess implications for evidence and discussion |
| No trigger / proposed update | No change still documented; scope and budget precede updates |
Illustrative yearly service: five PICOs, quarterly scans, up to 500 new records and 40 full texts. Not a completed comprehensive review.
Analysis excerpt
| Check | Finding / sample content | Use |
|---|---|---|
| New trial | Check whether it matches an existing PICO | Explain against predefined triggers |
| Correction or retraction | Locate affected sources and conclusions | State whether urgent discussion is warranted |
| No trigger | No update does not mean no record | Deliver coverage, dates and rationale |
Delivery manifest
| File | Format | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterly surveillance memorandum | Additions, corrections, no triggers and update rationale | |
| Five-PICO change log | XLSX | Guideline baseline, sources/dates and affected questions |
| Substantive update proposal | When triggered: questions, methods, material and budget; otherwise no trigger |
This is an illustrative formal delivery manifest. This pack supplies an HTML report, CSV tables and a source register. Agree formal formats, quantities and scope in the quote.
Acceptance criteria
- Predefined rules explain whether an update is warranted. Scans with no new evidence still record dates and coverage.
Sources
- NICE · Ensuring guidelines are current and accurate
https://www.nice.org.uk/process/pmg20/chapter/ensuring-that-published-guidelines-are-current-and-accurate