2.1 Clinical research questions – development and details

Between April and June 2009, the relevant clinical research questions for this module were developed, prioritised, combined and refined by the EWG, the independent systematic review expert and the CRG (Appendix A). The process resulted in two different types of questions – those that are specific to this module, and those that are generic (i.e. relevant to all six modules that make up the guidelines).

The specific and generic questions were crafted in such a way that they attempted to provide answers in clinically relevant areas of uncertainty. The questions were further refined through consultation among the systematic reviewer, CRG, NBA and independent systematic review expert. Details of research question criteria are presented in Volume 1 of the technical report.10