Improving practice guidelines with patient-specific recommendations.

Overview

Title:

Improving practice guidelines with patient-specific recommendations.

Authors:

Owens DK

Journal:

Ann. Intern. Med.

Publication date:

2011

Volume:

154

Issue:

9

First page:

638

Last page:

9

ISSN:

1539-3704

Link to pubmed:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21536940

Publication type:

Journal

Free text

In this issue, Eddy and colleagues' mathematical model shows that initiating treatment for hypertension on the basis of individual patient characteristics results in better outcomes than does use of the simpler JNC 7 guidelines. The editorialist notes the tradeoffs that guideline developers face in terms of usability versus tailoring: The relative simplicity of generic recommendations makes them easier for clinicians to remember and implement, but the simplicity could come at a loss of potential benefit, increased cost, or both. For individualized guidelines to improve outcomes, they must be easy for clinicians to apply.

Preview

Improving practice guidelines with patient-specific recommendations. Owens DK. Ann. Intern. Med. 2011; 154(9):638-9.