Corporate document
Writing recommendations
When writing recommendations remember: professionals won't put our guidance into practice if they aren't sure what we are recommending.
The rules in this guide and our style guide should help you write clear, active recommendations. Also see chapter 9 of the guidelines manual. Below are the main points.
Give direct instructions
Start with a verb, if possible, to keep the action up front and direct.
1 action per recommendation
Include only 1 action per recommendation to keep it short. Or if there has to be a series of actions, use bullet points and have 1 action per bullet point.
Show the strength of the recommendation
When the evidence is strong we usually use 'offer' as the main verb. When the evidence is less certain, we use 'consider'. Make sure you are using these verbs correctly (see the guidelines manual).
Remember: Don't add 'consider' in front of 'offering' and avoid other uses of 'consider'.
Only include what readers need to know
Only tell readers what they need to do. Do not add background information to recommendations, unless recommending such a big change in practice that professionals need to know why before they will put it into practice.
Make sure the population is clear
Make sure it is always clear which group of people the recommendation applies to. You do not need to repeat this in each successive recommendation or bullet point unless the target group changes.
Be specific
Readers need to know what exactly is being recommended, and for whom. For example, they need to know if other treatments or interventions should be offered first, how many times and for how long?
Tip: Use 'and' and 'or' in lists of criteria if it helps make it clear which criteria have to be met. Or add a phrase such as 'if all of the following criteria are met' to the introductory sentence.
Use person-centred language
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Make sure the verb you use respects the person's choice and involvement – we 'offer' things rather than 'prescribe' or 'give' things to people.
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Focus on the person rather than labelling them as a 'patient' or defining them by their illness (avoid 'diabetics' and 'epileptics').
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We never say 'managing people….'. We always manage the condition. If we are talking about drugs, it is the drug, not the person, that is contraindicated or unsuitable.
Remember, you can always talk to one of the editors if you are unsure or need any help with writing recommendations.