WHO SMART Guidelines: A New Direction for Guideline Development and Implementation

The quality and methodology of guidelines developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) have been continuously improved after decades of development and reform. However, the implementation of conventional guidelines faces certain challenges, including lengthy timelines, the possible loss of accuracy and consistency of recommendations, and limited capacity of some countries to support guideline adaptation and implement. As a result, the expected effects of guideline recommendations may not be fully achieved. As many countries are investing heavily in digital health systems, both the WHO and its Member States have recognized the importance of digital implementation of guidelines and developed the SMART Guidelines. As a new approach, SMART Guidelines can accelerate the implementation of evidence-based recommendations in the digital age, enhance their compliance and implementability, and improve healthcare quality and population outcomes. This article aims to provide an overview of the background, definition, framework, and knowledge layers of the WHO SMART Guidelines, using antenatal care guidelines as an example for interpretation.