The role of clinical guidelines, policies and stewardship

The purpose of guidelines is to improve the quality of care for patients and improve clinical effectiveness by implementation of evidence-based care in daily practice. However, the potential of guidelines for resolving clinical questions should not be overstated. Ideally, policy makers use input from research data, as well as current prescribing habits, when developing guidelines. Care has to be given to the quality of guidelines, as well as their effect on outcome. Prospective validation of the content and use of guidelines must be set up. Beside the quality of guidelines, efforts are necessary for an effective implementation into daily practice. Many studies have shown that a combination of different interventions is needed. Thereby, an investigation of possible barriers should be an essential part of any strategy.