Systematic reviews are of great importance in the current era of evidence-based medicine. They provide transparent and reproducible insight into the available scientific evidence for a specific question and the possible lack thereof. Systematic reviews form the basis for evidence-based guidelines, which are essential for the translation of scientific evidence into clinical practice. In this way, the care and thus the health of children with cancer and survivors can be optimized.
To provide high-quality care for childhood cancer patients and survivors and to optimize their quality of life and life expectancy, clinicians must stay up-to-date with the newest scientific evidence. Clinical practice guidelines are essential in translating evidence into clinical practice, giving clinicians guidance to provide optimal care. We have founded the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group (IGHG) and have established evidence-based methods to develop guidelines within pediatric oncology. The IGHG is chaired by Leontien Kremer and Melissa Hudson from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, United States and coordinated by Renée Mulder.
I provide in supporting services for the guideline & systematic review unit.