Our guidelines
This is a list of current guidelines, guidelines under development and archived guidelines that have been or are being developed or updated by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.
| Number | Title | Topic | Published |
|---|
| Title | Topic | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Difficult and severe asthma |
Respiratory |
In Scoping |
| Management of Acute Asthma (BTS/SIGN) |
Respiratory |
In Scoping |
| Risk estimation and the prevention of cardiovascular disease (update) |
Cardiovascular |
In Scoping |
| Update: Antithrombotics: indications and management |
Other |
|
| Update: Glaucoma referral and safe discharge |
Eye |
|
| Update: Pharmacological management of glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes |
| Title | Topic | Status | Remit | Pub Date (estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management of Chronic pain 2023 update |
Central nervous system |
In Progress | This guideline will focus on assessing and managing chronic pain (pain lasting longer than 12 weeks) in adults. It will apply to non-specialist healthcare settings that are not specifically designed for treating chronic pain. Self management, pharmacological, psychological, physical, complementary and dietary therapies are covered. Pain related to cancer is not covered. | Summer 2026 |
| Scottish Pallaitive Care guidelines (update) |
Other |
In Progress | These guidelines apply to adults living with and dying from advanced, progressive, and incurable conditions who are receiving palliative care. They will be of interest to specialists and general practitioners involved in palliative care, individuals and carers. This update will focus on the last days of life, people with learning disabilities, choosing and changing opioids and opioid toxicity, bone pain and out-of-hours handover. | Spring 2026 |
| SIGN 155 Pharmacological management of migraine (update) |
Central nervous system |
In Progress | This update will focus on gene-related peptide receptor (CGRP) antagonists for patients with acute migraine and prevention of migraine, the use of ibuprofen during pregnancy and combination terapies for acute migraine. Prevention of migraine will be revised to reflect changes in prescribing practices and safety advice on the use of sodium valproate and topiramate. | Spring 2026 |
| SIGN 159 Epilepsies in children and young people: Investigative procedures and management (update) |
Central nervous system |
In Progress | This update will focus on revising recommendations for pharmacological interventions and incorporating safety advice from the MHRA on sodium valproate and topiramate. | Spring 2026 |
| Update: Antithrombotics: indications and management |
Other |
Winter 0001 | ||
| Update: Glaucoma referral and safe discharge |
Eye |
Winter 0001 | ||
| Update: Management of chronic venous leg ulcers |
Skin |
In Progress | The guideline will examine the evidence for (1) efficacy of treatments for patients with varicose veins (venous reflux or incompetent veins), including minimally invasive therapies (endovenous ablation), surgery, compression therapy; (2) efficacy of different compression techniques; (3) clinical and cost effectiveness of dressings. The guideline will also signpost to healthy lifestyle advice. | Summer 2027 |
| Update: Pharmacological management of glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes | Winter 0001 |
This is a list of topics that have been proposed to SIGN. Further details of the process can be found here.
| Subject | Topic | Request Type | Proposer | Stage | Proposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management of metastatic breast cancer |
Cancer |
New | Dr Tom Berry | Rejected | Metastatic breast cancer proposal |
| Update: Acute coronary syndrome |
Cardiovascular |
Refresh | 3-year scope | On hold | |
| Update: Antibiotic prophylaxis in surgery |
Other |
Refresh | Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group | Accepted | |
| Update: Antithrombotics: indications and management |
Other |
Refresh | 3-year scope | On hold | |
| Update: Cardiac arrhythmias in coronary heart disease |
Cardiovascular |
Refresh | 3-year scope | On hold | |
| Update: Cardiac rehabilitation |
Cardiovascular |
Refresh | 3-year scope | On hold | |
| Update: Glaucoma referral and safe discharge |
Eye |
Refresh | 3-year scope | Accepted | |
| Update: Management of sore throat and indications for tonsillectomy |
Ear Nose and Throat |
Refresh | 3-year scope | Accepted | |
| Update: Management of stable angina |
Cardiovascular |
Refresh | 3-year scope | Accepted | |
| Update: Non-pharmaceutical management of depression |
Mental health and behavioural conditions |
Refresh | Hannah Brisbane, SAMH | Rejected | Non Pharmaceutical Management Of Depression Proposal |
| Update: Pharmacological management of glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes | Refresh | 3-year scope | On hold | ||
| Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) |
Cardiovascular |
New | Adrian Brady | Accepted | VTE/PE proposal |
| Number | Title | Topic | Published | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92 | 92 Management of hepatitis C |
Infectious disease |
2006 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 133 |
| 93 | 93 Acute coronary syndromes |
Central nervous system |
2007 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 148 |
| 104 | Antibiotic prophylaxis in surgery |
Other |
2008 | Archived | Withdrawn June 2018 |
| 82 | Bipolar affective disorder |
Mental health and behavioural conditions |
2005 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn May 2015 |
| 153 | British guideline on the management of Asthma - Superseded |
Respiratory |
2016 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 158 |
| 91 | Bronchiolitis in children |
Respiratory |
2006 | Archived | Withdrawn November 2016 |
| 139 | Care of deteriorating patients - withdrawn |
Other |
2014 | Archived | Withdrawn June 2023 |
| 1 | Clinical guidelines: Criteria for appraisal for national use |
Other |
1995 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 50 |
| 59 | Community management of lower respiratory tract infection in adults |
Respiratory |
2002 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn June 2012 |
| 106 | Control of pain in adults with cancer |
Central nervous system |
2008 | Archived | Withdrawn July 2018 |
| 66 | Diagnosis and management of childhood otitis media in primary care |
Respiratory |
2003 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn February 2013 |
| 103 | Diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease |
Urogenital |
2008 | Archived | Withdrawn June 2018 |
| 81 | Diagnosis and management of epilepsies in children and young people |
Central nervous system |
2005 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn March 2015 |
| 90 | Diagnosis and management of head and neck cancer |
Cancer |
2006 | Archived | Withdrawn October 2016 |
| Diagnosis and management of headache |
Central nervous system |
0001 | Archived | ||
| 107 | Diagnosis and management of headache in adults |
Central nervous system |
2008 | Archived | Withdrawn August 2018 |
| 121 | Diagnosis and management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults |
Skin |
2010 | Archived | Withdrawn October 2020 |
| 113 | Diagnosis and pharmacological management of Parkinson's disease |
Central nervous system |
2010 | Archived | Withdrawn February 2020 |
| 68 | Dyspepsia |
Digestive System |
2003 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn March 2013 |
| 110 | Early management of patients with a head injury |
Central nervous system |
2009 | Archived | Withdrawn May 2019 |
| 75 | Epithelial ovarian cancer |
Cancer |
2003 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 135 |
| 61 | Investigation of post-menopausal bleeding |
Gynaecology pregnancy and birth |
2002 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn September 2012 |
| 105 | Management of acute upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding |
Digestive System |
2008 | Archived | Withdrawn July 2018 |
| 124 | Management of adult testicular germ cell tumours |
Cancer |
2011 | Archived | Withdrawn March 2021 |
| 125 | Management of atopic eczema in primary care |
Skin |
2011 | Archived | Withdrawn March 2021 |
| 112 | Management of attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorders in children and young people |
Mental health and behavioural conditions |
2009 | Archived | Withdrawn September 2019 |
| 84 | Management of breast cancer in women |
Cancer |
2005 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn December 2015 |
| 99 | Management of cervical cancer |
Cancer |
2008 | Archived | Withdrawn January 2018 |
| 120 | Management of chronic venous leg ulcers |
Skin |
2010 | Archived | Withdrawn August 2020 |
| 67 | Management of colorectal cancer |
Cancer |
2003 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 126 |
| 123 | Management of early rheumatoid arthritis |
Musculoskeletal |
2011 | Archived | Withdrawn February 2021 |
| 109 | Management of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection |
Urogenital |
2009 | Archived | Withdrawn July 2019 |
| 111 | Management of hip fracture in older people |
Musculoskeletal |
2009 | Archived | Withdrawn June 2019 |
| 102 | Management of invasive meningococcal disease in children and young people |
Infectious disease |
2008 | Archived | Withdrawn May 2018 |
| 115 | Management of obesity |
Digestive System |
2010 | Archived | Withdrawn February 2020 |
| 69 | Management of obesity in children and young people |
Digestive System |
2003 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 115 |
| 73 | Management of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome in adults |
Other |
2003 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn June 2013 |
| 87 | Management of oesophageal and gastric cancer |
Cancer |
2006 | Archived | Withdrawn June 2016 |
| 71 | Management of osteoporosis |
Musculoskeletal |
2003 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn June 2013 |
| 80 | Management of patients with lung cancer |
Cancer |
2005 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 137 |
| 108 | Management of patients with stroke or TIA: Assessment, investigation, immediate management |
Cardiovascular |
2008 | Archived | Withdrawn July 2018 |
| 119 | Management of patients with stroke: Identification and management of dysphagia |
Cardiovascular |
2010 | Archived | Withdrawn June 2020 |
| 118 | Management of patients with stroke: Rehabilitation, prevention and management of complications, and discharge planning |
Cardiovascular |
2010 | Archived | Withdrawn June 2020 |
| 127 | Management of perinatal mood disorders |
Gynaecology pregnancy and birth |
2012 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 169 |
| 117 | Management of sore throat and indications for tonsillectomy |
Ear Nose and Throat |
2010 | Archived | Withdrawn April 2020 |
| 88 | Management of suspected bacterial urinary tract infection in adults - superseded |
Urogenital |
2006 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 160 |
| 85 | Management of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder |
Cancer |
2005 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn December 2015 |
| 79 | Management of urinary incontinence in primary care |
Urogenital |
2004 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn December 2014 |
| 54 | Perioperative Blood Transfusion for Elective Surgery |
Other |
2001 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn |
| 60 | Postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis |
Gynaecology pregnancy and birth |
2002 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 127 |
| 77 | Postoperative management in adults |
Other |
2004 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn August 2014 |
| 83 | Prevention and management of dental decay in the pre-school child |
Mouth and Dental |
2005 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn November 2015 |
| 56 | Prevention and management of hip fracture in older people |
Musculoskeletal |
2002 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 111 |
| 4 | Prevention of Visual Impairment in Diabetic Patients |
Endocrine Nutritional and Metabolic |
1996 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 116 |
| 62 | Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism |
Cardiovascular |
2002 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn October 2012 |
| 58 | Safe Sedation of Children Undergoing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures |
Other |
2004 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn May 2014 |
| 101 | SIGN 101 British guideline on the management of Asthma |
Respiratory |
2008 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 141 |
| 114 | SIGN 114 Non-pharmaceutical management of depression |
Mental health and behavioural conditions |
2010 | Archived | Withdrawn February 2020 |
| 2 | SIGN 2 Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism |
Cardiovascular |
1995 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 62 |
| 5 | SIGN 5 The Immediate Discharge Document |
Other |
1996 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 128 |
| 55 | SIGN 55 Management of Diabetes |
Endocrine Nutritional and Metabolic |
2001 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 116 |
| 57 | SIGN 57 Cardiac rehabilitation |
Cardiovascular |
2002 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn January 2012 |
| 63 | SIGN 63 British guideline on the management of Asthma |
Respiratory |
2003 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 101 |
| 64 | SIGN 64 Management of patients with stroke: rehabilitation, prevention and management of complications, and discharge planning |
Cardiovascular |
2002 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 118 |
| 70 | SIGN 70 Diagnosis and management of epilepsy in adults |
Central nervous system |
2003 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 143 |
| 72 | SIGN 72 Cutaneous melanoma |
Cancer |
2003 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn July 2013 |
| 76 | SIGN 76 Long term follow up of survivors of childhood cancer |
Cancer |
2004 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 132 |
| 78 | SIGN 78 Management of patients with stroke: Identification and management of dysphagia |
Cardiovascular |
2004 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 119 |
| 94 | SIGN 94 Cardiac arrhythmias in coronary heart disease |
Cardiovascular |
2007 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 152 |
| 95 | SIGN 95 Management of chronic heart failure |
Cardiovascular |
2007 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 147 |
| 96 | SIGN 96 Management of stable angina |
Cardiovascular |
2007 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 151 |
| 97 | SIGN 97 Risk estimation and the prevention of cardiovascular disease |
Cardiovascular |
2007 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 149 |
| 98 | SIGN 98 Assessment, diagnosis and clinical interventions for children and young people with autism spectrum disorders |
Mental health and behavioural conditions |
2007 | Archived | Superseded by SIGN 145 |
| 65 | The immediate discharge document |
Other |
2003 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 128 |
| 74 | The management of harmful drinking and alcohol dependence in primary care |
Other |
2003 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn September 2013 |
| 3 | The Use of Palliative Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer |
Cancer |
1996 | Superseded | Superseded by SIGN 137 |
| Update: Antithrombotics: indications and management |
Other |
0001 | |||
| Update: Glaucoma referral and safe discharge |
Eye |
0001 | |||
| Update: Pharmacological management of glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes | 0001 |
These guidelines are withdrawn when they are 10 years old. Without a full review of the evidence it is not possible to be certain that a guideline: :
- remains relevant to NHS Scotland
- makes recommendations based on the most up-to-date evidence for best practice
- does not recommend unsafe practice, and
- complies with current mandatory advice or government policy.
If there is still a need for a withdrawn guideline, please propose a topic.
SIGN guideline recommendations are available on the move with the award-winning SIGN app for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android phones and tablets.
- optimised for the latest operating systems
- updated content
- re-designed for improved legibility
- send PDF button feature
- split screen feature (iPad