Clinical Advisor (systematic literature review)

Role

Clinical advisor for systematic literature review: the Guidelines for the Provision
of Anaesthetic Services (GPAS)

Organisation

The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA)

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Summary

This role will work in collaboration with the chapter authors and RcoA staff
and would suit anaesthetists of any grade with the appropriate expertise.

The role involves working with the research scientist [a professional systemic
literature reviewer with no anaesthetic expertise] to help develop relevant
search terms, define inclusion and exclusion criteria, help to reduce down the
number of abstracts presented to authors, and working closely with GPAS
authors to highlight relevant literature.

Applicants will have experience of conducting systemic literature reviews
themselves. They will have an understanding of guideline development
processes, critical appraisal methods and have demonstrated an interest in
research methodology.

Applicants will have experience of working with multi-professional committees
or working groups and should demonstrate the ability to work to defined
timeframes.  Excellent verbal and written skills are required, along with an
ability to communicate complex issues to differing audiences

Responsibilities  The post holder will be supported by the GPAS coordinator who will be

responsible for the overall project management, organising meetings and
coordinating the logistics of performing evidence reviews and consultations.

Literature review support

•  Work with the research scientist and chapter authors to develop a search

strategy including search terms

•  Develop criteria against which papers are included or excluded from

analysis when required

•  Organise and categorise papers found and conduct a second title sift
•  Work with the chapter authors to review and contribute to the evidence

for the chapter recommendations

General

•  Complete a ‘Declaration of Interests’ form

•

Participate in discussion and decision making

Page 1 of 2

Conditions
(e.g. time
commitments,
length of
appointment)

•  Work with RCoA staff and the authors as required at and between

meetings

Chapter development

•

The post holder may be required to attend meetings (held on MS Teams)
with the research scientist, RCoA staff and the chapter authors as
necessary.

•  All necessary and reasonable expenses will be met by the RCoA.

•  Appointment will be for one year, or until the chapter is completed

•

The role holder will be acknowledged as a secondary author on the
GPAS chapter (listed immediately below the authors on the first page of
the document)

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

Experience

•

Experience of conducting systemic literature reviews

•  Credible level of experience of expert committee work or

standards setting work in a relevant setting

•  A demonstrated interest in undertaking research in anaesthesia

•  Current or recent clinical and/ or academic role in anaesthesia

Skills

Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills

Knowledge

A detailed knowledge of anaesthesia

Other

Evidence of being able to work to deadlines

Page 2 of 2