Evidence is required for producing public health and clinical guidance. Evidence resulting from systematic literature reviews is preferred to assist in the decision-making process, however, for certain topics, literature reviews may return insufficient or provide low-quality evidence.

In circumstances where there is lack of evidence, or where evidence is conflicting, consensus-based methods offer a valid approach for public health guidance production.

This document provides a generic approach for assisting in developing public health recommendations based on consensus of expert opinion, within the 'SHPN framework for health protection guidance development'.

General enquiries

If you have an enquiry relating to this publication, please email .

Media enquiries

If you have a media enquiry relating to this publication, please contact the Communications and Engagement team.

Requesting other formats and reporting issues

If you require publications or documents in other formats, please email phs.otherformats@phs.scot.

To report any issues with a publication, please email phs.generalpublications@phs.scot.

Last updated: 21 March 2024
Was this page helpful?