SHPN guidance framework, guidance methodologies and protocols
The Scottish Health Protection Network (SHPN) Guidance Group oversees the process for ensuring the quality of the SHPN produced guidance that supports health protection practice in Scotland. Their main role is to encourage consistent high standards of health protection practice by promoting a multidisciplinary approach to the development of quality assured guidance.
Framework
In 2017, a national framework defining the different types of health protection guidance that are recognised and sponsored by the SHPN was published.
Types of guidance
The Framework defines two basic types of guidance to support health protection practice in Scotland.
Evidence based guideline
Guideline is the term reserved for guidance documents that incorporate predominantly evidence-based recommendations mainly from published peer-reviewed literature, which are intended to improve the quality and consistency of health protection practice in Scotland. This is the standard used to define SHPN-evidence based guidelines.
Good practice guidance
Guidance is the umbrella term used to describe the full range of materials supported by the SHPN that aim to provide information and considered advice on aspects of health protection practice in Scotland.
Guidance documents incorporate recommendations based on the best available evidence, which may include expert opinion where published evidence is lacking, and which are used to guide decisions in a particular area of health protection practice in Scotland. This is the standard used to define SHPN-good practice guidance.
Principle methodologies
Two principle methodologies for guidance development are proposed to promote and support the consistent implementation of this Framework. These methodologies can be viewed below:
Supporting methodologies
Read the two further supporting methodologies below:
- Guidance Review and Update Methodology, 2017
- Review of External Guidance for Acceptability of Use in Scotland Methodology, 2017
Protocols
Two protocols are also available as useful tools for developers and can be viewed below:
- Protocol for the Rapid Development of Guidance, 2017
- Protocol for the Development of Consensus Based Recommendations, 2018
SHPN developed guidance
View the SHPN developed guidance below:
- Good practice guidance on HIV prevention in men who have sex with men (MSM), 2019
- Guidance for the Public Health Management of Escherichia coli O157 and other Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) infections, 2018
- Guidance for the control of measles incidents and outbreaks in Scotland, 2018
- Guidance on Prevention and Control of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) in healthcare settings in Scotland, 2017
- Management of Public Health Incidents: Guidance on the Roles and Responsibilities of NHS led Incident Management Teams, 2020
- Guidelines for the Public Health Management of Tetanus, Botulism or Anthrax among people who use drugs, 2017
- Infection Prevention and Control in Day Care and Childminding Settings, 2016
- Guideline on Management of Legionella Incidents, Outbreaks and Clusters in the Community, 2014
- Interim Advice for the Diagnosis and Management of PVL-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections (PVL-S. aureus), 2014
- Guidelines on the Roles and Responsibilities of Agencies involved in the Investigation and Management of Zoonotic Disease in Scotland, 2014
- Rabies: Guidance on Prophylaxis and Management in Humans in Scotland, 2013
SHPN approved external guidance
Public Health England (PHE)
View the PHE documents and SHPN addendums below:
- Vaccine Incident Guidance: Responding to Errors in Vaccine Storage, Handling and Administration
- Public Health Operational Guidelines for Typhoid and Paratyphoid (Enteric Fever), 2017
- Guidance for the laboratory investigation, management and infection prevention and control for cases of Candida auris, 2017
- Integrated guidance on health clearance of healthcare workers and the management of healthcare workers infected with bloodborne viruses, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, 2022
- Guidance on use of Antiviral Agents for the Treatment and Prophylaxis of Influenza, 2019
- Guidelines for the Public Health Management of Pertussis in England, 2016
- Bovine tuberculosis: Guidance on management of the public health consequences of tuberculosis in cattle and other animals (England), 2014