Abstract
To determine features of the presentation of clinical practice guidelines that may enhance their use by internists, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to which 1,513 (60%) of 2,513 eligible internists responded. Endorsements by respected colleagues and by major organizations were identified as very important by 72% and 69% of respondents, respectively. Respondents preferred short pamphlets and manuals summarizing a number of guidelines and felt that concise recommendations (86%), synopsis of supporting evidence (85%), and quantification of benefit (77%) were important in guideline presentation. We conclude that guideline developers should gain the endorsement of major organizations and present key aspects in brief, easily assimilated formats.
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Supported by the American College of Physicians and the Johns Hopkins University /Francis Scott Key Faculty Development Program (HRSA grant 2D28 PE 53014-07). Dr. Bass also received support as the American College of Physicians’ Teaching and Research Scholar.
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Hayward, R.S.A., Wilson, M.C., Tunis, S.R. et al. Practice guidelines. J Gen Intern Med 11, 176–178 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02600272
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02600272