Background Capacity building (CB) is an essential element for guideline adaptation in the context of LMIC.

Objectives To describe the approach and results from a CB process for guidelines adaptation implemented by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in Argentina between 2005 and 2012.

Methods The CB process is described on the basis of the matrix of capacity-building strategies. Duration, objectives, entities targeted and results through the different stages of the CB process are provided.

Results The CB process has been supported on a “learning by doing” approach, and comprised 2 stages: a local capacity development stage (2005–2008) and a knowledge transfer (KT) stage (2008–2012). As a result of the 1st stage, 120 health professionals were involved during the adaptation process; 3 guidelines were produced and a guide to adapt guidelines was published. KT started in 2008 and was initially performed through e-learning courses targeted to individuals. In 2009, a strategy based on continuous online support through a virtual campus and workshops and targeted to institutions was adopted. Four institutions were involved: 1 did not progress; 1 completed the whole process and published an evidence-based guideline and 2 are on-going.

Implications for Guideline Developers/Users In the context of LMIC, CB processes based on the “learning by doing” approach and focused to institutions seem to be more appropriate although challenging: not only technical capacities have to be built, but also those related to human resources management, group-working and use of Internet resources. Different level of achievement of these capacities could explain the results observed alongside the CB process implemented by NAM.