What are they?

Clinical practice guidelines consist of recommendations aimed at enhancing patient care that are informed by a systematic review of the evidence, coupled with an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages associated with different care alternatives. The development of Clinical Practice Guidelines may reduce unwarranted variation in practice, improve the quality and safety of healthcare, and enhance translation of research into practice. A health professional can use them to develop standards to evaluate the clinical practice of individual health professionals and healthcare organizations, as well as to educate and train health professionals and to assist patients in making informed decisions about treatment and care.