The initial step required for a critical review of clinical practice guidelines involves evaluating the document's stated purpose (eg, diagnosis, prevention, symptom control). Secondarily, physicians practicing EBM are concerned with evaluating how closely the guideline's purpose is aligned with a particular patient's needs (
Figure 1).
Guidelines are valuable insofar as they provide clear and practical recommendations for a clinical challenge. A guideline, to prove relevant, must be supported by evidence that assesses the risks, benefits, and costs of the proposed intervention. A guideline should also explain how its recommendations can be implemented, regularly reviewed, and updated to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is provided.