Styled Import Test
The evidence base for this guideline was synthesised in accordance with SIGN methodology. Evidence was drawn from NICE clinical guideline NG3 on diabetes in pregnancy: management from preconception to the postnatal period and from a systematic review conducted by SIGN. Evidence identified by NICE covered the search range 1946–2014.
A systematic review of the literature was carried out using an explicit search strategy devised by an Information Scientist. Databases searched include Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library. The year range covered was 2015–2022. Internet searches were carried out on various websites for relevant evidence-based resources (NICE, GIN, TRIP, CADTH, INAHTA). The main searches were supplemented by material identified by individual members of the development group. Each of the selected papers was evaluated by two Information Scientists using standard SIGN methodological checklists before conclusions were considered as evidence by the guideline development group.
The search strategies are available on the SIGN website, www.sign.ac.uk
Literature search for patient issues
At the start of the guideline development process, an Information Scientist conducted a literature search for qualitative and quantitative studies that addressed patient issues of relevance to diabetes in pregnancy. Databases searched include Medline, Embase, Cinahl and PsycINFO, and the results were summarised by the SIGN Public Involvement Advisor and presented to the guideline development group.
Literature search for cost-effectiveness evidence
The guideline development group identified key questions with potential cost-effectiveness implications, based on the following criteria, where it was judged particularly important to gain an understanding of the additional costs and benefits of different treatment strategies:
A systematic literature search for economic evidence for these questions was carried out by an Information Scientist covering the years 2010–2022. Databases searched include Medline, Embase and NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED). Each of the selected papers was evaluated by a Health Economist, and considered for clinical relevance by guideline group members.
Interventions are considered to be cost effective if they fall below the commonly-accepted UK threshold of £20,000 per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY).
A systematic review of the literature was carried out using an explicit search strategy devised by an Information Scientist. Databases searched include Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library. The year range covered was 2015–2022. Internet searches were carried out on various websites for relevant evidence-based resources (NICE, GIN, TRIP, CADTH, INAHTA). The main searches were supplemented by material identified by individual members of the development group. Each of the selected papers was evaluated by two Information Scientists using standard SIGN methodological checklists before conclusions were considered as evidence by the guideline development group.
The search strategies are available on the SIGN website, www.sign.ac.uk
Literature search for patient issues
At the start of the guideline development process, an Information Scientist conducted a literature search for qualitative and quantitative studies that addressed patient issues of relevance to diabetes in pregnancy. Databases searched include Medline, Embase, Cinahl and PsycINFO, and the results were summarised by the SIGN Public Involvement Advisor and presented to the guideline development group.
Literature search for cost-effectiveness evidence
The guideline development group identified key questions with potential cost-effectiveness implications, based on the following criteria, where it was judged particularly important to gain an understanding of the additional costs and benefits of different treatment strategies:
A systematic literature search for economic evidence for these questions was carried out by an Information Scientist covering the years 2010–2022. Databases searched include Medline, Embase and NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED). Each of the selected papers was evaluated by a Health Economist, and considered for clinical relevance by guideline group members.
Interventions are considered to be cost effective if they fall below the commonly-accepted UK threshold of £20,000 per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY).
The guideline development group was not able to identify sufficient evidence to answer all of the key questions asked in this guideline (see Annex 1). The following areas for further research have been identified:
This guideline was issued in 2024 and will be considered for review in three years. The review history, and any updates to the guideline in the interim period, will be noted in the update request report, which is available in the supporting material section for this guideline on the SIGN website: www.sign.ac.uk
Comments on new evidence that would update this guideline are welcome and should be sent to the SIGN Executive, email: sign@sign.ac.uk
Comments on new evidence that would update this guideline are welcome and should be sent to the SIGN Executive, email: sign@sign.ac.uk