Why do we need guidelines and why do they fail us?

Abstract

Guidelines are powerful tools that support evidence-based care in a patient population that is increasingly complex and in systems that are rapidly evolving. When high quality guidelines are implemented well, they can improve patient outcomes, decrease clinician workload and even reduce disparities in care. Guidelines, however, are only as good as the evidence used to create them and are their effectiveness relies on the quality and completeness of their implementation. Guidelines have a lifespan and require redevelopment and reimplementation to achieve their greatest value.