The Impact of Inflammatory Hyperreflective Spots and Hard Exudates on Retinal Function in Diabetic Retinal Disease.

Sex and gender differences contribute to differential health outcomes through biological, social, and structural pathways, and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are a key mechanism for promoting evidence-based and equitable care. This umbrella review demonstrates that although sex and/or gender considerations appeared in over half of CPGs examined, their inclusion was often inconsistent and largely superficial. Key barriers to the inclusion of sex and gender considerations in CPGs include limited sex- and gender-disaggregated evidence, lack of guidance for guideline developers and insufficient expertise and training on sex and gender within CPG committees. Strengthening sex and gender integration in CPGs will require coordinated efforts across research, practice and policy to improve the underlying evidence base and its translation into recommendations. There is a crucial role for research and policy in building capacity, resources and accountability mechanisms to ensure CPGs better reflect the needs of people of all sexes and genders.