Events

	Workshop at Armed Forces Post Graduate Medical Institute Our team conducted a three-day workshop at AFPGMI for the Army Medical Corps. Objectives achieved included knowledge transfer on GRADE methodology and adapting international guidelines, skill development through hands-on training, fostering team building, and collecting feedback. Success was evident through over 95% attendance, 95% participant satisfaction, and demonstrable improvement in knowledge and skills based on pre and post-test assessments.
	Advancing Evidence Based Medicine: 25th National Health Sciences Research Symposium The 25th National Health Science Research Symposium (NHSRS) focused on "Transforming Medicine Through Evidence-Based Guidelines," marking a significant step in improving healthcare in Pakistan. The symposium was preceded by a key Advisory Board meeting, At the meeting, the AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines, developed by the Centre for Clinical Best Practices (CCBP), was introduced and discussed, highlighting its methodology and potential impact. A SWOT analysis identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, setting the groundwork for symposium discussions. Over two days, the symposium featured plenary sessions, panel discussions, and presentations aimed at advancing healthcare practices through evidence-based guidelines.
	Collaborative Leadership: Second National Advisory Board Meeting The Second National Advisory Board Meeting convened on February 19th, 2024, day one of the National Health Sciences Research Symposium. Distinguished leaders in Medicine and Surgery from across Pakistan gathered for a meeting with the National Advisory Board for the Centre for Clinical Best Practices. During the session, the GRADE Development Process was introduced, eliciting insightful feedback and valuable input from the assembled board members. Discussions also revolved around future collaborative endeavors between Aga Khan University (AKU), the National Advisory Board, and Pakistani Medical societies. One highlight was the prospect of joint efforts in disseminating AKU's Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines. The exchange of ideas and commitment to collaborative action highlights the collective dedication to advancing healthcare practices nationwide.
	AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines Launched We launched the AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines, a landmark publication that consolidates nearly 140 clinical guidelines covering over 80% of common medical conditions in Pakistan. This work was developed over four years through the globally respected GRADE methodology and the dedicated efforts of our faculty and team. The manual is contextually tailored to the realities of Pakistan's healthcare system. Endorsed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, this manual represents a significant step towards standardizing clinical care across the country. It is freely accessible via mobile and web applications, ensuring wide reach for healthcare professionals across all levels of care.
	Strengthening Public Health with the Sindh Government In a critical meeting that marked the deepening of ties between academia and government, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister for Health and Population Welfare of Sindh, met with Dean Adil Haider and the CCBP team to discuss the integration of the AKU Manual into Sindh's public healthcare system. Dr. Pechuho praised the initiative, stating that "evidence-based, locally contextualized clinical guidelines are essential for improving quality of care in public hospitals." The meeting also laid the groundwork for future collaborations in guideline training, monitoring, and digital deployment across the province.
	Knowledge-Sharing Session at College of family medicine Board members and faculty from the College of Family Medicine engaged in a collaborative session focused on the AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines. On behalf of the Center for Clinical Best Practices, Aga Khan University, we extend our sincere thanks for the opportunity to share our work. The session provided a meaningful platform to exchange ideas, discuss evidence-based approaches, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
	Knowledge-Sharing Session at Karachi Medical and dental college (KMDC) Faculty, residents, and students from Karachi Medical and Dental College participated in a hands-on session led by Dr. Samar Fatima and Dr. Nashia Rizvi. The session introduced app-based access to the AKU Manual and guided participants through clinical scenarios using Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Interactive discussions, and enthusiastic feedback reflected a strong interest in ongoing collaboration.
	Collaboration with PSIM on Evidence-Based Practice Members of the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM) participated in an interactive session led by Dr. Nashia Rizvi. The session introduced app-based access to the AKU Manual and guided participants through clinical scenarios using evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Pre- and post-assessments, along with dynamic discussion, highlighted strong engagement and enthusiasm for future collaboration. Dr. Adil Haider also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of the manual in enhancing clinical decision-making and standardizing care.
	Knowledge-Sharing Session at Baqai Medical University Faculty, residents, and students participated in a hands-on session focused on app-based access to the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and their application in clinical scenarios. The session included pre- and post-assessments, interactive discussions, and constructive feedback, highlighting the participants’ enthusiasm and the value of continued engagement and collaboration.
	Sindh Government and AKU Host Clinical Guidelines Workshop The Aga Khan University, in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, organized a two-day workshop to evaluate the impact of the AKU Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Doctors from public hospitals across Karachi participated in sessions covering clinical knowledge, real-world case discussions, and evidence-based care tailored to local needs. The workshop featured opening remarks by Dr. Saniya Sabzwari, an interactive case-based session led by Dean Dr. Adil Haider, and closing remarks by Dr. Saqib Ali Shaikh, Director of Health Services Karachi, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to clinical excellence. Participants appreciated the manual’s practical value in improving everyday clinical decision-making.
	Strengthening Collaboration with CPSP for AKU Manual Dissemination The CCBP team visited CPSP Karachi to discuss opportunities for collaboration around the AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines. The conversation focused on how the guidelines can be effectively implemented in physicians' clinical practice to support evidence-based decision-making and improve patient care. Both teams expressed a shared interest in promoting standardized clinical practices, and the meeting marked a positive step toward future collaboration.

Transforming Healthcare Through Global Collaborations

The Aga Khan University's Centre for Clinical Best Practices (CCBP) is redefining healthcare delivery in Pakistan through world-class partnerships that place evidence at the core of clinical decision-making. Its alliances with the U.S. GRADE Network and the Evidence Foundation are crucial steps in embedding evidence based medicine into national practice.

US GRADE Network Evidence Foundation

The U.S. GRADE Network's mission is to support initiatives The foundation's mission is to support initiatives in evidence-based

in evidence-based health care and disseminate GRADE through healthcare through training, mentorship, education and

training, mentorship, education, and collaboration. collaborations.

REEM MUSTAFA - M.D, P.H.D, M.P.H

Dr Mustafa is a nephrologist with a master's degree in public health and a PhD degree in health research methodology/clinical epidemiology. Her research interest focuses on the application of principles of evidence-based medicine in clinical and public health decision-making. She has extensive experience in the development and assessment of clinical practice guidelines through her work with The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. She serves on the GRADE guidance group (executive committee). Dr Mustafa is also a founding member of the U.S. GRADE network and evidence foundation.

SHAHNAZ SULTAN - M.D, M.H.S.C, A.G.A.F

Dr Sultan is a clinical gastroenterologist and health services research investigator at the University of Minnesota and the center for chronic disease outcomes research (CCDOR) at minneapolis veterans administration medical center. She is a core team member of the minneapolis VA evidence synthesis program and the minneapolis evidence-based practice center. She has extensive experience with clinical practice guideline development through her work with the GRADE working group. She is the former chair of the clinical guidelines committee of the american gastroenterology association (AGA) and has worked with a number of organizations as a guideline methodologist. Dr Sultan is also a founding member of the US GRADE network.

National Advisory Board

The National Advisory Board consists of distinguished healthcare leaders who offer valuable insights and recommendations, enhancing the relevance and accuracy of the AKU Manual of Therapeutics for primary care practice.

AKU Advisory Board

Our AKU Advisory Board comprises esteemed medical professionals who provide expert guidance and oversight for the AKU Manual of Therapeutics, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care.

CCBP in collaboration with the US GRADE network arranged the GRADE process training and trained around 50 including faculty and non-faculty members from AKU.

GRADE Trained.pdf

Workshop at Armed Forces Post Graduate Medical Institute

Advancing Evidence Based Medicine: 25th National Health Sciences Research Symposium

Collaborative Leadership: Second National Advisory Board Meeting

AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines Launched

Strengthening Public Health with the Sindh Government

Knowledge-Sharing Session at College of family medicine

Knowledge-Sharing Session at Karachi Medical and dental college (KMDC)

Collaboration with PSIM on Evidence-Based Practice

Knowledge-Sharing Session at Baqai Medical University

Sindh Government and AKU Host Clinical Guidelines Workshop

Strengthening Collaboration with CPSP for AKU Manual Dissemination