The consensus statement on consensus statements: An international guideline for the standardisation of guideline development frameworks

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of consensus statements has created an urgent need for guidance on developing frameworks that govern the production of future consensus statements. This satire reflects on the process involving steering committees, oversight committees, external validation panels, and multiple Delphi rounds. An international expert group formulated ten recommendations addressing committee structures, consensus methodology, evidence utilization, international representation, acronym generation, infographic deployment, and transparency practices. These satiric guidelines aim to standardize the consensus-development ecosystem while ensuring sufficient ambiguity to justify future updates, additional Delphi exercises, and subsequent consensus statements.