Purpose

The purpose of developing IDSA clinical practice guidelines is to provide an important educational tool to clinicians and to assist practitioners and patients in making decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances.

A new guideline on the Treatment of Infectious Complications in Patients on Immunomodulators will begin in 2021. IDSA is seeking a volunteer clinical/physician chair to lead the Immunomodulators Guideline Panel. The panel will be co-chaired by a technical methods expert.

Chair Responsibilities

• Oversee the timely completion of clinical practice guidelines according to the processes outlined in the IDSA Handbook for Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines and those provided by IDSA staff.
• Aid IDSA staff in selection of panelists who represent key subspecialties, populations, and geographic regions.
• Lead and participate in panel meetings and weekly/biweekly progress meetings with IDSA staff.
• Guide the panel’s decision to determine the final scope of the guideline.
• Lead the development of clinical questions to be addressed and participate in the literature review process.
• Provide input and feedback on all data analyses, including meta-analyses.
• With the assistance of a guideline methodologist, lead the panel through the GRADE methodology for assessing the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations.
• Oversee the fair and equitable deliberation and approval of guideline recommendations.
• Assume primary responsibility for drafting the manuscript (sections may be drafted by individual panel members).
• Lead the development of responses to comments received as part of the three-level review and approval process.
• Participate in the review of guideline derivative products.
• Participate in and adhere to the principles of IDSA-provided formal training on guideline development.
• Participate in post-development guideline dissemination activities as needed, which may include participation on a panel during IDWeek, etc.

Required Qualifications

• IDSA member with clinical expertise in the treatment of infections in patients on immunomodulators and extensive knowledge of current practices and published scientific literature.
• Familiarity with principles of evidence-based medicine, the development of clinical practice guidelines and their implementation into clinical practice.
• Has no perceived conflicts of interest, as defined in the IDSA Handbook for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines (Chapter 6: Conflicts of Interest), throughout the guideline development process and up to one year after the publication of the guideline.
• A commitment to adhere to the GRADE methodology and the guideline development timeline (see IDSA website for more information).
• Strong leadership and diplomatic skills with experience in group facilitation, focusing on the fair and equitable participation of all members and perspectives.

Ideal Qualifications

• Research expertise in the treatment of infections in patients on immunomodulators; actively publishing research findings.
• IDSA Fellow based on achievements in academic, research, clinical, administration, or other fields.
• Prior experience serving on an IDSA guideline panel.
• High emotional intelligence and strong conflict-resolution skills with experience mediating disagreements and facilitating compromise.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, willingness to delegate appropriately and lead by example to ensure that the guideline is completed in a timely manner.

How to Apply

• Complete the application (see link above), which includes a describing your interest in serving as Chair and your relevant experience for this project.
• Upload your resume or CV.
• Upload your completed conflict of interest disclosure form (PDF). **Please complete this form before proceeding to the next page.**

Guideline Development Timeline

IDSA strives to complete most guidelines within 18-24 months. Therefore, it is critical that the chair and panel members be committed to the completion of a guideline within the expected timeframe. For additional information on timeline, please review the IDSA Handbook for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines (Chapter 4: Overview of Guideline Development Process and Expected Timeline) .

Meeting Frequency

Meetings to be held at least once a month, as needed, by phone or video meeting. Panel members will be asked to respond to email communications on a regular basis at all stages of the guideline development process.

Estimated Time Commitment

10-15 hours per month; time commitments will vary depending on the stage of guideline development.

Appointment

The IDSA Standards and Practice Guidelines Committee (SPGC) Chair, Vice Chair, and Board liaison to the SPGC will review the list of candidates and approve the final chair.