[Clinical practice guidelines in Japan: toward their appropriate use and diffusion]

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Japan's 1999 governmental report highlighted the need for evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
• The Ministry of Health and Welfare prioritized and initiated projects for guideline development, aiming for approximately 20 by 2004.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the ambiguity surrounding the term "guideline" in Japan.
• To clarify the intended meaning and function of clinical practice guidelines.
• To prepare for the launch of an information service on practice guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the current understanding and usage of the term "guideline" in Japan.
• Comparison with Western distinctions between directives, recommendations, and guidelines.
• Planning for an accessible information service on practice guidelines.

Main Results:

• The term "guideline" is ambiguous in Japan, leading to potential overestimation of their authority.
• Unlike Western contexts, distinctions between directives, recommendations, and guidelines are not commonly recognized.
• An information service by the Japan Council for Quality Health Care is set to launch in Autumn 2003.

Conclusions:

• Clarification of what clinical practice guidelines are and are not is necessary.
• Broader stakeholder engagement is required for consensus development.
• An information service will improve accessibility for professionals and the public.