The American Heart Association (AHA) produces various types of scientific publications, each undergoing rigorous review before approval and publication.
Publication Types and Review Processes
Guidelines
Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for healthcare decisions.
These are developed after significant studies including randomized trials, cohort registries, meta-analyses, and expert consensus.
Review Process: They require peer review, Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee (SACC) approval, and final approval by the Executive Committee.
Scientific Statements
Scientific Statements represent expert consensus to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge.
They aim to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge of current science related to cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Review Process: They undergo peer review, SACC approval, and final approval by the Executive Committee.
Science Advisories
Science Advisories offer rapid and clear positions on specific, evolving scientific issues.
These offer rapid and clear positions on specific, evolving scientific issues of public and professional interest.
Review Process: They require peer review, SACC approval, and final approval by the Executive Committee.
Presidential Advisories
Presidential Advisories are important papers initiated by the association's medical officers.
These are important papers initiated by the association's medical officers.
Review Process: They require SACC approval and final approval by the Executive Committee.
Policy Statements
Policy Statements issue recommendations for clinical and public policy.
Developed by expert panels, these address timely issues like quality healthcare and disease management, issuing recommendations for clinical and public policy.
Review Process: They require peer review, approval by the Advocacy Coordinating Committee, SACC review, and approval by the Executive Committee.
Clinical Data Standards
Clinical Data Standards establish standards for future data management.
These compare clinical outcomes across trials and registries and establish standards for future data management.
Review Process: They undergo peer review, SACC approval, and final approval by the Executive Committee.
Performance Measures
Performance Measures provide tools for practitioners to measure care quality.
Derived from practice guidelines, these provide tools for practitioners to measure care quality through specific, measurable elements.
Review Process: They require peer review, SACC approval, and final approval by the Executive Committee.
Clinical Competence and Training Statements
Clinical Competence and Training Statements address knowledge and experience for specific physicians and training programs.
These address the knowledge and experience for specific physicians and training programs, using evidence and expert opinion.
Review Process: They undergo peer review, SACC approval, and final approval by the Executive Committee.