Poor quality monkeypox guidelines 'impeding patient care'

There is an urgent need to develop evidence based clinical guidelines for managing cases of monkeypox, scientists said, after finding that existing guidance frequently lacked detail and was based on poor research.

They urged establishing a 'living guideline' for infectious disease to ensure that up-to-date information, based on robust research, was available globally and in any setting.

The study, published in BMJ Global Health, also called for investment to back research into optimal treatments and prophylaxis strategies.

The study authors wrote: "The lack of clarity between guidelines creates uncertainty for clinicians treating patients with MPX [monkeypox] which may impact patient care."

They concluded: "Our study highlights a need for a rigorous framework for producing guidelines ahead of epidemics and a recognised platform for rapidly reviewing and updating guidance during outbreaks, as new evidence emerges."

Current global concern over the spread of monkeypox was an opportune time to act, they argued.

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Source: Medscape, 17 August 2022