Background: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library (EAL) was launched in 2003. Since inception, the EAL strives to improve the quality of Evidence-based Nutrition Practice Guidelines (EBNPG) through continuous review and revision of methodology. Patient and public involvement (PPI) is a known standard of quality. Previously, the EAL incorporated PPI through: volunteer workgroups, external review, and patient education materials. The EAL has the opportunity to improve the quality of EBNG by enhancing PPI. In 2012 the EAL began a patient advocate participation pilot (in progress). The EAL is working to build upon the patient advocate pilot and seek further opportunities for PPI.

Objectives: Identify opportunities and feasible methods for PPI in the development of EAL EBNPG. Develop a plan and timeline for PPI implementation, maintenance and evaluation.

Methods: Review results of a recent EAL EBNPG external review (AGREE II) to achieve a baseline and identify areas for improvement of PPI. Outline EAL EBNPG development steps to further identify feasible areas for PPI. Consult credible resources such as the G-I-N Public Toolkit and the SIGN Handbook for PPI strategies, and consider necessary modifications for incorporation in EBNPG methodology.

Results: The Gestational Diabetes EBNPG was reviewed by 14 stakeholders in December 2016, global score (91.7%), lowest scoring domain, Stakeholder Involvement (75%). The following EBNPG steps were identified for PPI development (scope, external review, dissemination and implementation), and PPI improvement (patient advocate workgroup participation). Effective strategies for PPI are as follows: scope (consultation); development (participation), dissemination and implementation (communication).

Conclusion: Several areas for PPI improvement and strategies for implementation have been identified. EAL staff, alongside the member oversight committee, have begun drafting applicable resources for PPI including but not limited to: recruitment, appointment, and roles and responsibilities of patient advocate workgroup members; and recruitment of target-population reviewers.