Methodology
This guideline has been developed using the BAD's recommended methodology,[1] and with reference to the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument (www.agreetrust.org).[2] Recommendations were developed for implementation in the National Health Service using a process of considered judgement based on the evidence. The PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched up to December 2014 for meta-analyses, randomized and nonrandomized (controlled) clinical trials, case series, case reports, and open and cohort studies involving PUVA therapy, published in the English language; search terms and strategies are detailed in the Supporting Information. Additional relevant references were also isolated from citations in reviewed literature, as well as (independent) targeted searches carried out by the authors. The authors screened the identified titles and those deemed relevant for first-round inclusion were selected for further scrutiny. The abstracts for the shortlisted references were then reviewed and the full papers of relevant material were obtained. The structure of the guidelines published in 2000 was discussed and re-evaluated, and different authors were allocated separate subsections. Each author performed a detailed appraisal of the selected literature with discussions with the entire GDG to resolve any issues, for example with the quality of evidence and making the appropriate recommendations. When considered helpful to assist with comparing study results and to summarize data, forest plots drawn in Excel® (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, U.S.A.) were used,[3] although no formal meta-analyses were performed to prepare this guideline. All subsections were subsequently collated and edited to produce the final guideline.
The British Journal of Dermatology. 2016;174(1):24-55. © 2016 Blackwell Publishing
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