Brief Development

New HIPs Brief Development

The themes for the first 12 briefs were identified at the first HIPs TAG in 2010. Since that time the HIPs processes have become more refined and complex ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and better product. We recognize that there is a need to constantly reexamine our understanding of what works, for whom and in what context as well as to continually refine and improve how we communicate this to the greater family planning community.

Therefore in addition to reviewing and updating existing briefs, the HIPs Partnership will consider ideas for new HIPs. The process for new HIPs development will be:

1. Ideas for new HIPs briefs will be announced at the annual HIPs Partners meeting. Any endorsing organization can put forth an idea for a new HIPs brief. Partners who put forth ideas must be willing to support the brief development including authorship of the brief. Partners are encouraged to provide constructive feedback on the overall concept and raise concerns. This process is to ensure multiple organizations are not developing briefs on similar concepts and to promote collaboration. The endorsing organization who put forth the idea can decide if they want to continue to the concept phase.
2. Authors of new brief ideas will develop a concept note (see brief development guidance) to be submitted to the TAG for consideration.
3. The TAG will review all concept notes and identify no more than two per year for further development. NOTE: Approval at the concept phase does not mean that the final brief will be approved as a HIPs. 
4. Once a concept note is approved by the TAG, the HIPs Secretariat will begin working with the authors to develop the concept into a full brief.
5. The TAG will review and make a determination based on the final HIPs brief.

Updating Old Briefs

Ensuring that the HIPs briefs reflect current evidence and learning is a priority for the HIPs Partners. The following process will be followed to update published briefs.

At least, two briefs will be selected each year for in depth review. The “in depth” review will consist of:

1. Authors or other technical experts will review the brief for updates in terminology and new knowledge;
2. Comments/suggested changes will be solicited from the HIPs Endorsing Organizations; and
3. A review of newly published literature will be conducted.

Revisions will be reviewed by the HIPs Secretariat to determine if a review by the TAG and/or endorsing organizations is necessary. This decision will be made based on the extent and significance of the changes. If revisions are determined substantially change the messaging or focus of the brief a review by the TAG and endorsing organizations will be necessary. If not, endorsements will be transferred to the updated brief without an additional review.