ISPD Professional Communications

They are dated and will be reviewed at least every two years for accuracy and applicability, or sooner if there have been significant changes in practice that require revision of its content. They may be updated, re-affirmed or retired after review. Where applicable, these statements are developed after a thorough review and evaluation process of existing literature and other evidence. It is the goal of ISPD that the resulting documents can be of help to those who are tasked with defining local or national policies and protocols in their countries or geographic regions. ISPD Position Statements are less comprehensive than clinical practice guidelines and are not intended to direct practice of individual providers. They are also not intended as guidance documents for healthcare payors as evidence to allow or deny payment for services.

All opinions of SIGs or committees are vetted and approved by the Board of Directors prior to publication. They will be dated and reviewed at least every two years for accuracy, timeliness, and applicability, or sooner if there have been significant changes in practice that require revision of its content. They may be updated, re-affirmed or retired after review. Where applicable, these statements will be developed after a thorough review and evaluation process of existing literature and other evidence, but they are shorter and less comprehensive than clinical practice guidelines and are not intended to direct practice of individual providers. They are also not intended as guidance documents for healthcare payors as evidence to allow or deny payment for services.

Note: A position statement carries more weight than an opinion and sends a stronger message about the ISPD’s official position on a specific topic.

These may include responses to rapid introduction of a newly developed technology or new clinical information that requires urgent clarification or interpretation. Rapid communications will be dated and reviewed every six months for timeliness, and applicability. They may be updated, re-affirmed or retired after review, and may be replaced by a formal opinion, position statement, or practice guidance. Rapid communications are typically not based on extensive review of existing evidence, as evidence may be limited. They are not clinical practice guidelines and are not intended to direct practice of individual providers. They are also not intended as guidance documents for healthcare payors as evidence to allow or deny payment for services.