Guidelines - What are guidelines

5 important questions on Guidelines - What are guidelines

How is a guideline developed?

In a systematically manner the literature is searched for scientific evidence on the topic, and a clear connection between this evidence and the recommendations is given. Often a ‘degree’/’level’ is given to the recommendations to clarify how strong the scientific evidence is.

Steps:
  • Preparation:
    • Determine topic and population
    • Identify existing guidelines
    • Put together a multidisciplinary team/workgroup
  • Literature research
    • Determine key questions
    • Determine search strategy and search for literature
    • Select literature
    • Evaluate the quality of the scientific literature
  • Composing the guideline
    • Formulate recommendations
    • Prepare for implementation and
    • evaluating the use of the guideline within practice.
  • Keeping the guideline up-to-date 

What’s the difference between a guideline and a systematic review?

The main difference is that a systematic review doesn’t give recommendations on therapy or the use of assessment. A systematic review is just a systematic summary of previously done scientific research. A guideline goes further. Based on scientific research and clinical expertise, it gives recommendations for therapy and assessments.

What is the purpose of guidelines?

guarantee and improve quality of care:

  • Transparency of care
  • Increase uniformity
  • Improve working in team and interdisciplinarity
  • Support decision making in both diagnostics and therapy
  • Can help change treatment methods & perform self-evaluation
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What are healthcare standards


  • a description of the minimal level of good practice from the perspective of the healthcare user
  • The content of care, organisation of care and support of self-management are included

What are care pathways


  • Care processes for a well-defined group during a well-defined period
  • Based on evidence, best practice and patient’s expectations

E.g. www.adhd-traject.be & link1

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