I recently spoke with Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, conference co-chair, chair of Guidelines International Network North America (G-I-N NA), and a G-I-N trustee, regarding the upcoming Evidence-Based Guidelines Affecting Policy, Practice and Stakeholders (E-GAAPS) conference in New York City on December 10–11, 2012.

TG: What prompted G-I-N NA to host this conference?

RR: We created this conference for the same reason G-I-N NA was formed: to help fulfill a pressing need for networking, communication, and exchange of best ideas and practices among individuals and organizations that develop, adapt, disseminate, and implement clinical practice guidelines.

TG: I notice there is a number of high-profile speakers and faculty for this two-day conference. How were these individuals selected?

RR: We began by forming a program committee representing the conference sponsors (G-I-N North America and the New York Academy of Medicine) and then added key individuals to represent additional stakeholders. We set the bar high and sought to identify and engage the best and brightest individuals in the field. The resulting speaker roster is literally a “who’s who” of luminaries in guidelines and related disciplines (e.g., media, communications, health policy, etc.).

TG: Who should attend this conference?

RR: Quite simply anyone who uses, adapts, develops, disseminates, or implements guidelines can benefit from the plenary sessions and numerous workshops. This includes not only clinicians, but also students, the public, consumers, the media, administrators, health policy makers, and staff from professional medical associations.

TG: Will there be opportunities for guideline developers to network or present information about their development and dissemination practices?

RR: Yes, we have set aside space for networking throughout the program. A primary objective of the G-I-N is to promote communication and networking, and this them is reflected the conference.

TG: What are G-I-N NA’s measures of success for this course?

RR: First, we would like to see spirited participation and exchange of ideas in the numerous workshop and breakout sessions that are a highlight of the program. Second, we would like to see increased interest and participation in G-I-N NA and the parent organization, G-I-N, to ensure that future events, webinars, and conferences best fulfill the needs of the North American guideline community. 

I hope to see you at the E-GAAPS conference on December 10–11 in New York City. Visit www.nyam.org/events/2012/evidence-based-guidelines-conference.html for more information on the meeting and registration.