Guideline

Guideline is a statement by which to determine a course of action. A guideline aims to streamline particular processes according to a set routine or sound practice. By definition, following a guideline is never mandatory. Guidelines are not binding and are not enforced.

Definition

A guideline is a statement by which to determine a course of action. A guideline aims to streamline particular processes according to a set routine or sound practice. By definition, following a guideline is never mandatory. Guidelines are not binding and are not enforced.

Types of Guidelines

Guidelines may be issued by and used by any organization (governmental or private) to make the actions of its employees or divisions more predictable, and presumably of higher quality.

Medical Guidelines

A medical guideline (also called a clinical guideline, standard treatment protocol or clinical practice line) is a document with the aim of guiding decisions and criteria regarding diagnosis, management, and treatment in specific areas of healthcare.

Development of Guidelines

Guidelines are usually produced at national or international levels by medical associations or governmental bodies, such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom. Local healthcare providers may produce their own set of guidelines or adapt them from existing top-level guidelines.

Use of Guidelines

Guidelines are used in healthcare to improve patient care as part of a shared decision-making process between the healthcare provider and the patient.

See Also

• Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Medical Practice
• Healthcare Quality