Introduction: guidelines and advisory development

Since 1992, the American Society of Anesthesiologists has produced 12 evidence-based practice guidelines, 2 practice advisories, and 3 guideline updates. These documents have assisted anesthesiologists and practitioners in many other specialties. Their brevity, practicality, and ease of use, coupled with a thorough and systematic evaluation of the evidence have been instrumental in bringing together the science and practice of medicine. The application of formal evidence-collection processes for literature and opinion and efficient analytic evaluations combine with the experience and practical knowledge of clinicians to produce widespread application of the guidelines. The evidence-based process developed by the ASA has been found to be adaptable to a wide variety of issues relating to clinical practice. The goal is to systematically collect and evaluate evidence from multiple sources and apply it ina comprehensive manner to the guideline recommendations. The ASA guideline and advisory development process is continuing to evolve in response to changes in medical technology, research, and practice. By providing synthesized evidence from multiple sources and robust clinical recommendations the ASA offers the practice of anesthesiology, an invaluable bridge between science and clinical practice.