All guideline development work performed at Carelon begins with the Knowledge Services team. This team of graduate level professionals includes a methodologist and a group of experienced medical librarians who manage the research and evidence review process. In partnership with the Solution Medical Directors, the librarians develop research parameters for each cycle of guideline updates and conduct literature searches using processes that ensure the quality of the evidence supporting Carelon’s guidelines. Relevant articles are graded according to a well-defined set of methodologies and reviewed by clinicians trained in evidence review. The resulting body of evidence is used to inform development of new guidelines and updates to existing guidelines. The research librarians also conduct surveillance of emerging literature to ensure that any new evidence that potentially impacts Carelon’s guidelines is brought to the attention of clinical leadership. Rounding out the team are two senior medical writers who draft documents prior to panel review, and do all of the heavy lifting required to publish the final documents.
This group of talented professionals provides the foundation for Carelon’s evidence-based guidelines. For more information on Carelon’s research process and methodology, please visit: