Guideline
Guideline
Guideline (/ˈɡʌɪdlaɪn/), from the Old English gildan (to guide) and line, is a term used in various fields, including medicine, to refer to a set of recommendations that aim to optimize patient care. These are usually developed by a panel of experts and are based on a thorough evaluation of the available evidence.
Medical Context
In a medical context, a guideline is a statement by which to determine a course of action. These guidelines aim to streamline particular processes according to a set routine or sound practice. By definition, following a guideline is never mandatory (guidelines are not the same as regulations) but are strongly advised.
Development
Medical guidelines are developed by a variety of organizations such as professional societies, government agencies, and medical or scientific organizations. The development process involves a systematic review of the evidence, usually by a panel of experts, followed by a grading of the evidence and a formulation of specific recommendations.
Types of Guidelines
There are several types of guidelines in medicine, including clinical practice guidelines, treatment guidelines, and diagnostic guidelines. Each of these has a specific purpose and is developed using a slightly different process.
Importance
Guidelines are important in medicine because they help to standardize care, reduce variation in practice, improve quality, and promote evidence-based practice. They are also used as a basis for developing quality indicators and performance measures.
Criticism
Despite their importance, guidelines have also been criticized for being too rigid, not taking into account individual patient circumstances, and for being influenced by the organizations that fund them.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Guideline
- Wikipedia's article - Guideline
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