This week’s release of the Commonwealth Government COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report highlighted the National Clinical Evidence Taskforce as a successful and valued part of Australia’s response to the pandemic, countering misinformation and providing a single source of evidence-based information to guide clinical decisions.
The Taskforce was an initiative of the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration (ALEC), rapidly pivoting its resources in March 2020 to bring together 200+ expert clinicians from 35 national peak health bodies representing all major clinical groups.
The Taskforce developed the world’s first living guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19 with the first version available on April 4 2020, and 130+ updates published over the course of the pandemic. The guidelines were delivered with unprecedented speed, scientific rigour and collaboration, providing Australian clinicians and health decision makers with independent, continually up-to-date evidence to support best practice care for people with COVID-19.
Every week, more than 200 recommendations were reviewed and updated with the latest research, approved by 35 member organisations and disseminated throughout all states and territories.
ALEC Clinical Director Prof Steve McGloughlin said the Inquiry findings highlight the benefit of real-time evidence synthesis and living guidelines.
“The Taskforce demonstrated the critical role up-to-date, evidence-based national guidelines can play in providing best practice, consistent care across primary, acute and critical care settings.
It’s pleasing that the Inquiry recommended the ongoing need for living guidelines in preparation for and during a pandemic, and equally significant that it acknowledged the benefit of living guidelines for all priority health areas,” Prof McGloughlin said.
ALEC Academic Director Prof Tari Turner said ALEC welcomes the Albanese Government’s commitment to establishing a transparent and independent CDC that is consistent with the model recommended by the Inquiry.
“ALEC calls for the CDC to fund development of independent living guidelines to support evidence-based care during pandemic and non-pandemic times. We are committed to realising a future where living evidence is the norm, providing practical, trustworthy guidance for clinicians, health decision makers and consumers across Australia,” Prof Turner said.
For more information or media inquiries: [email protected]