Guidelines in dermatology--quo vadis?: Facts and controversies

Since their introduction in 1980s, medical guidelines have become a milestone in the modern medical practice and science. Being a key feature of modern evidence-based medicine, guidelines offer the opportunity for unification and standardization of diagnostic procedures, their use guarantees the equal access of patients to medical service, and they represent a scaffold for inexperienced physicians. The implementation of guidelines also can serve as a basis in malpractice issues and can contribute to the formation of national and international health care policies. In past decades, the process of development, update, and practical application of clinical guidelines has been seriously improved; however, certain limitations still exist, namely cost-effectiveness issues, editorial independence, applicability, accessibility, and external validity. This contribution discusses the advantages and the drawbacks in the use and the development of medical guidelines, emphasizing future perspectives and challenges in the development of clinical guidelines.