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January 2007
Evidence-Based Tip
Practice Guidelines
In its book Guidelines for Clinical Practice, the Institute of Medicine defines practice guidelines as "systematically developed statements
to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances." They are sometimes called
clinical guidelines or clinical practice guidelines, but their purpose it the same: to guide practitioners, patients, and health care
administrators to the best possible care.
Are practice guidelines evidence-based?
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses form the basis for an increasing number of practice guidelines. Besides strength of evidence based on
valid and reliable studies, guidelines should be clear as to patient populations to which they may be applied-important in pediatric practice-as
well as being stated in unambiguous language. Ideally, all practice guidelines would be based on a thorough review of the best available evidence.
This is often the case. However, some practice guidelines are based on expert opinion. When consulting a guideline, check to see how the guideline was established.
Where to find practice guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics has subject-specific committees and sections that issue guidelines based on the work of a committee of experts
in the related fields. New guidelines are published in the AAP journal, Pediatrics, and must be renewed every five years to be considered in effect.
Current guidelines
In addition to practice guidelines, the AAP also offers evidence-based technical reports and links to AAP-endorsed guidelines developed by other organization.
Technical Reports and Links
Another excellent source for practice guidelines is the National Guideline Clearinghouse. Developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ),
the content is international in scope, and is searchable by keyword and you may browse by disease, condition, treatment, and issuing organization. Each guideline
is graded for its level of evidence and references supporting the recommendations are linked.
Learn more
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