Further to the answer to question S1W-12335 by Susan Deacon on 6 February 2001, whether it will provide details of the Scottish Intercolleg…

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) was formed in 1993 by the Academy of Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland. SIGN develops and disseminates multidisciplinary, evidence-based clinical guidelines for the NHS in Scotland. The guidelines, which contain recommendations for effective practice based on current evidence, aim to improve the quality of health care for patients by reducing variation in practice and outcome. The guideline development programme is funded by the Clinical Resource and Audit Group (CRAG) of the Scottish Executive. Membership of SIGN includes all medical specialties, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, professions allied to medicine, patients, health service managers, social services, and researchers. The work of SIGN is supported by an Executive of 19 staff based at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. SIGN has a programme of 60 evidence-based clinical guidelines
- published, in development, or under review
- covering a wide range of topics. Its 50th guideline was published in February of this year. Many of the guidelines relate to the NHS priority areas.Full background information on SlGN and a list of published guidelines can be found at their website at www.sign.ac.uk.