The need for rigour in consensus statements and guidelines

Clinical guidelines and consensus statements are an essential aid to clinical practice. However, they bring with them risks. Amongst these are the exclusion of key stakeholders, the creation of mutual self-citation networks, and a lack of rigour in implementing and documenting the consensus process. This editorial explores the challenges of producing robust consensus statements and guidelines that have impact, and identifies current frameworks for addressing these. It is important to conduct clinical consensus exercises using recognised and accepted methodologies.