The RCOG is recruiting an expert to take on the important role leading the update of its guidance on COVID-19 infection in pregnancy. This guidance is now due for an update.
Applicants must have appropriate methodological expertise in guideline development, experience of critically appraising the evidence and have expertise in a relevant clinical area.
If appointed, you will be expected to assess the current evidence base to determine if the guidance requires update. If an update is needed, you may also be expected to appoint a co-developer(s) to help with this process. Co-developers must also be experts in a relevant field and be able to work effectively as part of a team to undertake this update.
The Guidelines Committee and the RCOG will provide in-house support and guidance throughout the review process.
Main responsibilities
- Reviewing the title and abstracts retrieved from the most recent literature search performed by the RCOG library
- Drafting the content of the guidance, including; critically appraising the current literature, updating relevant sections of the guidance and updating or developing evidence-based recommendations
- Responding to comments on the updates from the RCOG Guidelines Committee, external stakeholders and the Clinical Quality Assurance Groups within the expected time lines outlined by the RCOG
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy guidance is published on the MAGIC APP platform.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the form via the button below. Once completed, you will be asked to share a CV with us via email to clinicaleffectiveness@rcog.org.uk.
Should you have any additional enquiries please email clinicaleffectiveness@rcog.org.uk.
Application deadline: Tuesday 23 July 2024
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Role description
Lead Developer of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy guidance
Guidelines Committee
12 months from appointment
The RCOG is seeking a Lead Developer to review the current evidence on COVID-19 infection in pregnancy and determine if an update of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy guidance is needed.
If an update of this guideline is required, they will lead the development of this.
Applicants must have appropriate methodological expertise in guideline development, experience of critically appraising the evidence and have expertise in a relevant clinical area.
The lead developer is responsible for reviewing the title and abstracts retrieved from the most recent literature search performed by the RCOG library, to determine if an update to the existing Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy guidance is required.
The Lead Developer will be responsible for drafting the content of the guidance, including; critically appraising the current literature, updating relevant sections of the guidance, updating or developing evidence-based recommendations and responding to comments on the updates from either the RCOG Guidelines Committee and or external stakeholders within the expected time lines outlined by the RCOG. If deemed appropriate and depending on the extent of the update required, the Lead Developer can nominate and lead a team of co-developers to produce this update.
- Guidance Editorial Manager, RCOG
- Guidelines Committee co-Chairs
- Guidelines Committee Lead Reviewers
- Vice President for Clinical Quality
The initial sift and appraisal of evidence retrieved from the literature search is expected to take three months.
The update of relevant sections of the guideline should take between six and nine months depending on the extent of the update.
The volume of work will vary depending on the stage of development, and the review by the Guidelines Committee and external stakeholders following any consultation.
Travel is not required for this role. Support will be provided remotely via Microsoft Teams, email and telephone.
This role is not remunerated.
Developers who are no longer able to fulfil their commitments may resign from their role via formal notification to the Guidance Editorial Manager, RCOG. Ideally, a notice period of three months will be required to allow sufficient time to identify a replacement developer.
If in the rare occasion the Guidelines Committee feel that the guideline is not developing at a reasonable pace, a new developer(s) will be sought.
This role reflects the present requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop the role description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder(s).
Person specification
Essential
- Member of the RCOG or respective College
- GMC Registered Medical Practitioner and in good standing with the GMC
- In active clinical practice, out of programme for experience/research, or retired within the previous three years
- Up to date with continuing professional development
- Have the necessary commitment and time to take part in the full development process
- Normally resident in the UK
- Able to demonstrate detailed knowledge of national and professional service standards, publications and their application
- Demonstrate commitment to risk management
Essential
- Developed or implemented guidance locally
Desirable
- Published scientific material
- Good communicator and excellent writing skills as evidenced by past publications and presentations
- Ability to gather data, analyse, critique and synthesise complex information, as evidenced by relevant experience and/or academic qualifications
- An understanding of research methods including critical appraisal, systematic reviewing and meta-analysis
- Prepared to respond rapidly to issues as they arise
- Prepared to commit to the workload and time required to develop this guideline including meeting deadlines for guidance drafts agreed with the Guidance Editorial Manager
- Prior experience of a leadership role
- Detailed knowledge of current NHS
CPD information
The 2019 RCOG CPD Guide can be found here.
Committee Chair/Member/Course Convenors and Organisers
If within your committee role or work as course convenor or organiser you gain knowledge which enhances patient care or leadership and technical skills (including for example, giving presentations, teaching sessions or mock examining) credits can be claimed as an ‘Experiential Learning Event’.
Reflection is required to claim credits for an Experiential Learning Event. 2 CPD credits are claimable following reflection. In addition 1 or 2 credits are claimable for an action following the learning (1 credit for a simple action, 2 credits for a complex action). To claim credits for an action, the individual needs to demonstrate how they have applied their learning to their practice, the service they provide and/or the potential impact of the learning.
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