FOI – 2025-000012 SPEN Buccal Midazolam Guidance (HTML)

Date received – 19 December 2024 | Date responded – 22 January 2025

Request

I'm hoping someone will be able to help please with a few questions I have on the SPEN Buccal Midazolam Guideline. https://www.nn.nhs.scot/spen/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/01/2023-09-30-SPEN-Buccal-Midazolam-Guideline-V1.0.pdf

My questions are:

• How were decisions made on the content of the guideline?
• Who was involved in the decision-making process?
• The guideline is due for review in September 2026, can you give any more detail on the timelines please and when the review will start and what it will involve?

Response

I refer to your freedom of information request that we received on 19 December 2024 requesting the following information:

I'm hoping someone will be able to help please with a few questions I have on the SPEN Buccal Midazolam Guideline. https://www.nn.nhs.scot/spen/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/01/2023-09-30-SPEN-Buccal-Midazolam-Guideline-V1.0.pdf

My questions are:

• How were decisions made on the content of the guideline?
• Who was involved in the decision-making process?
• The guideline is due for review in September 2026, can you give any more detail on the timelines please and when the review will start and what it will involve?

We have now completed the search of our records and can provide you with the following information:

• How were decisions made on the content of the guideline?

The SPEN Buccal Midazolam Guideline was developed by the Paediatric Epilepsy Nurse Specialists (PENS) and subsequently reviewed by epilepsy paediatricians, who contributed their expertise. This process was grounded in current evidence and the substantial clinical experience of the contributors. The Scottish Paediatric Epilepsy Network steering group, comprising paediatric neurologists, paediatric epilepsy nurse specialists, paediatricians, and third sector representatives, formally approved the guideline.

• Who was involved in the decision-making process?

The decision-making process involved paediatricians with an interest in epilepsy, paediatric epilepsy nurse specialists, paediatric neurologists, and representatives from the third sector. The guideline also went through the established governance for ratification.

• The guideline is due for review in September 2026, can you give any more detail on the timelines please and when the review will start and what it will involve?

Initially, the guideline is evaluated by a short-life working group, which initiates the review. The current process for reviewing a guideline commences approximately three months prior to the review date. This timeframe allows the group members to thoroughly examine the guideline, consider any new evidence or experiences, and discuss potential modifications. Once the working group has completed their review and approved the guideline, it is then submitted to the SPEN Steering Group for final approval. Currently, a review of networks by the Scottish Government is underway, and the outcomes of this review may lead to changes in some of the processes we currently use.

I trust you will find the information of assistance and if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Contact

Address

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