Consultation on scope determination in the development of the National Heart Foundation Of Australia (NHFA) / Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes 2015

Introduction: The National Heart Foundation of Australia (NHFA) in partnership with the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) is updating the national clinical Guideline for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) (2006). An Expert Working Group (EWG) has consulted on the scope of the guideline update. Methods: Initially the EWG generated a proposed scope for the guideline update. Cardiac Clinical Networks (CCNs) were consulted about priority topics (for inclusion) that applied throughout Australia. Engagement of CCNs is recognised as an important vehicle for implementation of the updated ACS guideline once finalised. Responses from the CCNs were assessed by the EWG to determine the final scope. Further consultation was undertaken with key stakeholder professional organisations regarding the proposed clinical questions on which the literature search and evidence appraisal would be based. Results: Stakeholder responses identified a number of areas where guidance is needed in caring for people presenting to a healthcare facility with suspected ACS. These include:-assessment of chest pain, and rule in or out for myocardial infarction-timing of tests-risk stratification. Feedback also advocated for the involvement of a consumer in the process of guideline development, to ensure a patient focus. Conclusion: There is a need to improve the uptake of developed guidelines. It is anticipated that engagement with key stakeholders across the country at an early stage of the guideline development process ensures end user needs are met. This in turn will aid implementation of the guideline at completion, and ultimately ensure optimal cardiac care for patients.