Guideline development process

The development of the ME/CFS guidelines is being conducted in line with NHMRC’s guideline development process. NHMRC guidelines and advice follow a rigorous evidence-based approach and are informed by the judgement of multidisciplinary committees that incorporate the views of stakeholders and consumers.

To ensure the guideline is trustworthy and reliable, it will be developed according to NHMRC’s Procedures and Requirements for Meeting the NHMRC Standards for Clinical Practice Guidelines and relevant NHMRC Guidelines for Guidelines modules.

Committee

NHMRC has established 2 committees to advise on this work:

Timelines

An indicative timeline for the development of the ME/CFS guidelines is provided below. Please note these timelines are dependent on the evidence review process and the availability of the committee to meet. Updates to the timeline will be provided on the Communications page.

Timeline for the development of the ME/CFS guideline
Development stageExpected datesExpected timing
Planning and governanceSeptember 2024 to May 20258 months
Scoping and consultationJanuary to June 20256 months
Evidence reviewJune 2025 to June 202612 months
Development of recommendationsJune 2026 to February-June 20278 to 12 months
Draft guidelineJune to December 20276 months
Publication consultation / NHMRC releaseAugust to December 20276 months
Dissemination / ImplementationMarch 20288 months