Crafting practice guidelines in the world of evidence-based medicine.
BACKGROUND
In the era of exponential increase in the medical literature, physicians and health policy-makers are relying on well-constructed, evidence-based practice guidelines to help ensure that the care given to patients is based on valid, scientific data. The construction of practice guidelines, however, may not always adhere to accepted research protocol.


METHODS
In this article, the authors detail the steps required to produce effective, evidence-based practice guidelines.


RESULTS
The seven essential steps in crafting a practice guideline are presented: (1) defining a topic, (2) selecting a work group, (3) performing a literature review, (4) writing the guideline, (5) peer review, (6) making plans for review and revision, and (7) dissemination.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the importance of practice guidelines in supporting everyday practice, this article strives to provide a practical guide in the development of this key component of evidence-based medicine.
Chung
Kevin C
KC
Ann Arbor, Mich. From the Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System.
Shauver
Melissa J
MJ
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic