Policy Committee Meeting 9_28_2023

Document Development Process AUGS develops various documents throughout the year and every document or publication developed by an AUGS Committee or Network should follow the same general process. The following appendices detail document types, outline the general process for document development and general expectations of work group members as well as the external review and approval process. The Executive Director should be consulted if a group is proposing changes to this development process.

The basic process should include: 1. Topic Identification 2. Writing Group Identification 3. Literature/Research Review 4. Data Acquisition 5. Document Writing 6. Peer Review 7. Approval 8. Dissemination

Additional details pertaining to the Document Development Process are contained below.

AUGS Document Types Overview: Throughout the year the AUGS Board of Directors requests that its committees develop appropriate clinical documents to guide the work of physicians and allied health care professionals who treat women with pelvic floor disorders. Below outlines the types of documents that can be developed. The AUGS Board of Directors must approve all documents prior to publication. From time-to-time AUGS may decide to partner with another medical society/ organization on a topic for joint publication. Before entering into a formal partnership, these statements must be approved by either the AUGS Board or the Executive Committee. Document Types • Clinical Practice Guidelines – a statement that includes recommendations intended to optimize patient care that are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options. AUGS clinical practice guidelines should be based on a systematic evidence review, developed by panel of multidisciplinary experts and provide a clear explanation of the logical relationships between alternative care options and health outcomes. • Best Practice Statement - a statement that utilizes the literature and expert opinion on a specific issue • Consensus Statement – a document that reflects the collective opinion of leaders in the field on a specific topic • Policy Statement – a document on an emerging or timely issue relevant to the field of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery • Systematic Review – a literature review focused on a research question that tries to identify, appraise, select and synthesize all high quality research evidence relevant to that question. • Manuscript – any article submitted to a peer reviewed publication of original research findings or a description of a Society-developed initiative. Document Confidentiality All documents are considered confidential until published. Documents should not be shared outside those specified in the document development process. All documents in development will include a Confidential watermark and footnote that states “This document is not to be shared or viewed outside the designated Committee or Board of Directors without written permission from the AUGS Executive Director.”