Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41545044›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2026

Barriers and facilitators to implementing the living guideline development framework in oncology: a mixed methods study.

Nofisat Ismaila, Brittany E Harvey, Kaitlin Einhaus, Lawrence Mbuagbaw, Jinhui Ma, Lehana Thabane

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Nofisat IsmailaDepartment of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada ismailon@mcmaster.ca.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2074-1896
Brittany E HarveyAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
Kaitlin EinhausAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
Lawrence MbuagbawDepartment of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5855-5461
Jinhui MaDepartment of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8033-1699
Lehana ThabaneDepartment of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0355-9734

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo explore stakeholder experiences with implementing the living guideline (LG) development framework in oncology, and to identify barriers, facilitators and solutions to support its uptake and sustainability.

designAn exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used, beginning with qualitative semi-structured interviews with guideline development stakeholders, analysed thematically; and followed by a cross-sectional survey to quantitatively rate the importance of factors identified in phase one.

settingNational and international oncology guideline development programmes using the LG development framework.

participantsStakeholders involved in LG development, including expert panel co-chairs, panel members, patient representatives, methodologists and administrative staff.

resultsNine stakeholders participated in qualitative interviews, and 45 completed the survey. Most participants were male (5/9:56% qualitative; 26/45:58% quantitative) and based in the US (7/9:78% and 29/45:64%, respectively). Overall, the results from both the qualitative and quantitative strand revealed seven themes (34 subthemes) as barriers and six themes (21 subthemes) as facilitators. Additionally, 9 themes were proposed as solutions. The most frequently reported barriers included evidence timeliness, interpretation and publication delays. Prominent facilitators included effective management, resource optimisation and panel engagement. Participants strongly endorsed investment in artificial intelligence enhanced tools to improve the speed and efficiency of evidence acquisition and review.

conclusionWhile the LG framework provides strong methodological guidance, its practical application presents notable challenges, particularly in resource demands and implementation logistics. Successful adoption requires adequate infrastructure, expertise and oversight. These findings highlight critical considerations for developers aiming to implement sustainable LG models in oncology and beyond.

Indexed as

Medical OncologyPractice Guidelines as TopicCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleQualitative ResearchStakeholder ParticipationSurveys and QuestionnairesMethodsONCOLOGYProtocols & guidelines

Identifiers

PMID41545044
PMCPMC12815089

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.