For the first time, leading UK health body NICE will formally adapt a clinical guideline – the 2023 International Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Guideline – led by the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI).
The Monash University-led Guideline will be adapted to advance evidence-based PCOS care in the UK.
Monash University has signed an agreement with NICE granting permission for the International Guideline to become NICE's first clinical guideline adaptation.
The International PCOS Guideline was funded by the NHMRC's Centre of Research Excellence in Women's Health in Reproductive Life (CRE-WHiRL), developed over three years, involving input from thousands of health professionals and women.
It was developed by more than 100 experts and involved partnership across 71 countries and six continents.
Monash University Professor Helena Teede led the Guideline, engaging Australian and global expertise, with the UK health professionals and patients playing a major role in development.
"It's an honour to have NICE adapt the International PCOS Guideline. It is the first Guideline to be adapted by NICE, a testament to the exceptional work of the global PCOS network, methodological rigour of evidence synthesis and the integrity of our guideline development process," Professor Teede said.
The International Guideline is based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise and consumer preferences. It builds on the 2018 Guideline and includes 254 recommendations and practice points to promote consistent, evidence-based care to improve women's health.
NHMRC Chief Executive Officer, Professor Steve Wesselingh said: "Congratulations to the CRE-WHiRL team on NICE's decision to adapt the International Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Guideline; this is a major achievement."
"NHMRC has a long history of developing world-leading guidelines that are intended to promote health, prevent harm, and encourage best practice, as well as supporting others to do so.
"NICE's decision to adapt the International PCOS guideline is evidence of the rigorous and evidence based approach we take towards the guideline development process, and I am so proud of NHMRC's involvement in the global PCOS network."
The International Guideline development process included strong participation from women and healthcare professionals from across the UK, including from leading PCOS charity Verity (PCOS UK).
Rachel Morman is Chair of Verity and was a lived experience expert on the Guideline.
"The decision by NICE to adapt the International PCOS Guidelines marks an important alignment with the Government's 10-Year Health Plan to shift care from treatment to prevention," Morman said. "Following the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on PCOS' recent findings – which revealed significant gaps in NHS support for PCOS – this is an essential opportunity to rebuild trust and embed evidence-based PCOS care into every level of the health system. This is a fantastic and encouraging first step from NICE."
Professor Jonathan Benger, Chief Medical Officer at NICE, said: "NICE is delighted to collaborate with the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation. NICE strives to produce guidance which is not only high quality and meets user needs but is also timely. Adapting the highly regarded International Guideline on PCOS was the best way for NICE to achieve all three objectives in this case."
The full PCOS program, including publications, guidelines and resources have been viewed over one million times. The International PCOS network was awarded the 2024 Engagement Australia Award for Excellence in International Engagement.
The 2023 International Guideline will continue to be used across the world outside the UK.
An international network is leading a process, engaging over 20,000 consumers and health professionals and 50 societies worldwide, to change the name of PCOS, which has been perceived as misleading and confusing. The new name, to be determined later this year, will improve awareness, care and outcomes.
