Guideline Development Methodologist

Are you a Master’s prepared registered nurse interested and experienced in research? Are you passionate about evidence-based practice and leading change? Do you enjoy facilitating discussions and working within a highly skilled team? This may be the role for you!

JOB SUMMARY:

The Guideline Development Methodologist (GDM) is a Master’s prepared registered nurse responsible for leading the planning, research and execution of best practice guidelines (BPG). The GDM will support the work of an interprofessional expert panel by: conducting systematic reviews of the literature; developing evidence-based recommendation statements; writing the guideline, reports and manuscripts for peer-review; and prepare and present research for scientific meetings. The GDM works collaboratively with RNAOs Implementation Science and Evaluation/Monitoring Teams to support implementation, evaluation and sustainability of evidence-based practice cultures.

As a GDM you will work on guidelines across a wide range of topics, including: clinical, foundational, health equity, healthy work environment, and others. As a member of the guideline development team, you will be assigned to other best practice guideline development initiatives as well.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• work collaboratively with members of the Research Team, other IABPG team members (Implementation Science and Evaluation/Monitoring team), Expert Panel members, health sciences librarians, and other subject matter experts to develop, facilitate, and maintain methodological rigour, clinical significance, and completion timelines for BPGs
• plan and conduct systematic reviews of defined research questions, including rapid and comprehensive literature searches, literature screening and relevance reviews, data extraction, quality appraisal, and evidence synthesis to identify valid and applicable evidence for RNAO best practice guidelines and other RNAO initiatives
• contribute to the rigour of the guideline development process to maintain international standards. Specifically use Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE and GRADE CERQual) to quality appraise evidence and develop evidence to decision frameworks
• lead activities related to the systematic review process, including locating, retrieving, filing, and distributing research reports
• produce search results, data extraction, evidence profiles, evidence to decision, and work updates for review by the Director, Associate Director, Senior Manager and Expert Panel members as required
  • oversee and direct the BPG development process for assigned BPGs from identifying key issues in the proposed guideline area of focus to final publication of the BPG including:
  • take the lead role in identifying and recommending a representative panel of experts
  • lead the systematic review process, as noted above
  • develop draft evidence-based recommendations for best practice guidelines
  • lead consensus-building process with expert panels to finalize evidence-based recommendations including content, context and their strength
  • draft complete guidelines for expert panel review within completion timeframes.
  • edit, review and refine guidelines based upon expert panel and internal/external stakeholder feedback within completion timeframes
  • prepare the best practice guidelines documents, writing and editing, both drafts and final documents and other documents as required
• support the development of performance indicators for the BPG and when appropriate for Nursing Quality Indicators for Reporting & Evaluation® (NQuIRE)
• be a champion for current and emerging evidence development and review and guideline development methodology supporting evidence-based nursing practice
• draft and prepare manuscripts for publication
• mentor and train other staff as required

SKILL, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• registered nurse with in-depth, demonstrated understanding of evidence-based nursing practice. 
• current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario and in RNAO.
• master’s degree in nursing, health research or a related field is required, or equivalent combination of preparation and experience (Thesis prepared preferred).
• three to five years research experience and clinical nursing experience.
•  in-depth knowledge of systematic review methodology.
• strong interest or experience in nursing best practice guideline development.
• superior organizational skills and self-directed work ethic to effectively manage multiple projects in various stages of development.
•  high flexibility and adaptability in responding to new research opportunities as they arise.
• excellent analytical skills and detail-orientation. 
• excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to deal effectively with staff and stakeholders, to synthesize and present information, to prepare manuscripts and to conduct the research work. 
• strong experience with citation management software (such as Reference Manager, RefWorks, or EndNote) and online biomedical and allied health bibliographic databases (such as Medline, CINAHL, or Embase).
• dexterity required to operate a computer, telephone, and other office equipment.

EFFORT:

• Continuous concentration is required to read, screen, and appraise a large volume of information daily, prepare data tables and summary reports, and to consult as appropriate.
• Sight, touch and hearing are used to read, proofread, write, and analyze information and to answer enquiries.
• Sitting is required frequently in the job for more than 2 hours at a time to read and write information, work on the computer, participate in virtual/inperson meetings.
• Workflow requires re-prioritizing of workload, meeting multiple demands, and working overtime as required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• works in a climate-controlled office with some exposure to distractions, interruptions and stress from multiple demands.
• typical conditions are such that no risk or injury is present. 

RNAO is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment, where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who can help us build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live. Accommodations are available to all candidates identifying a need during all or any parts of the selection process.