Understanding the Determinants That Influence the Development and Implementation of Evidence‐Based Practice Guidelines During Health Emergencies: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed‐Methods Study Protocol

ABSTRACT Introduction The COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of evidence‐based practice guidelines (EBPGs) in healthcare systems. Reliable and timely guidelines are essential in health emergencies. This study aims to identify and comprehensively understand the determinants that influence the development and implementation of EBPGs during health emergencies from the perspective of guideline developers and implementers. In this article, we describe the study protocol. Methodology We will conduct an exploratory sequential mixed‐methods study composed of four phases: (I) a qualitative descriptive study to document the experiences of guideline developers and implementers and use this data to generate a list of determinants that influence the development and implementation of EBPG; (II) exploratory integration for survey development and validation using the data of phase I; (III) cross‐sectional study to administer the survey to a large sample and estimate the frequency and perceived impact of those determinants; (IV) interpretation of the results: a combination of qualitative and quantitative findings through the narrative description and joint displays to generate a comprehensive understanding of those determinants. We will explore if results vary across subgroups of interest (participants' roles, gender, and type of organization). We will include people worldwide from five groups participating in an EBPG development and implementation process during the pandemic. Discussion This study will provide insights into the determinants that influence the development and implementation of EBPGs during health emergencies. Its potential impact includes improving future health emergency preparedness, addressing equity gaps, and enhancing guideline development and implementation. Summary What is already known on this topic? Developing and implementing EBPGs is as complex, and resource‐intensive process. The pandemic introduced an unprecedented scenario to guideline developers and decision‐makers. New challenges included massive amounts of emerging evidence of varying quality, continuously arising new healthcare questions, and evolving public health priorities. What this study adds? We present a detailed protocol of an exploratory sequential mixed‐methods study. We will identify and comprehensively understand the determinants that influence the development and implementation of EBPGs during health emergencies from the perspective of guideline developers and implementers. This work will contribute to improving preparedness for future health emergencies.