• Thomas Piggott, Tejan Baldeh, Elie A Akl, Mats Junek, Wojtek Wiercioch, Rita Schneider, Miranda W Langendam, Joerg Meerpohl, Jan L Brozek, and Holger J Schünemann.
• Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G DeGroote Cochrane Canada and McMaster GRADE Centres, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
• J Clin Epidemiol. 2021 Feb 1; 130: 42-48.

ObjectivesHealth guidelines are a key knowledge translation tool produced and used by numerous stakeholders worldwide. Effective participation in guideline development groups or development groups is crucial for guideline success, yet little guidance exists for members of these groups. In this study, we present the Guideline Participant Tool (GPT) to support effective participation in guideline groups, in particular those using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.Study Design And SettingWe used a mixed methods and iterative approach to develop a tool to support guideline participation. We used the findings of a published systematic review to develop an initial list of items for considerations for guideline participants. Then, we refined this list through key informant interviews with guideline chairs, sponsors, and participants. Finally, we validated the GPT in three guideline groups with 26 guideline group members.ResultsThe initial list of items based on 37 articles from the existing systematic review included 15 themes and 61 items for a draft tool. Ten key informant interviews helped us refine the list to include the following themes: selection of participants, guideline group process, and tool format. 26 respondents completed the validation survey from three guideline groups. Refinement of the tool ultimately generated a GPT with 33 items for participant consideration before, during, and in follow-up to guideline group meetings.ConclusionThe GPT contains helpful guidance for all guideline participants, particularly those without previous guideline experience. Future research should further explore the need for additional tools to support guideline participants and identify and develop strategies for improving guideline members' participation in guideline groups. This work will be incorporated into INGUIDE.org guideline training and credentialing efforts by the Guidelines International Network and McMaster University.Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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