[The Portuguese Guidelines and Patients Values].

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Clinical guidelines aim to enhance healthcare quality and support clinical practice.
• Patient-centered care improves patient satisfaction, self-management, and potentially reduces costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent to which patients' values are integrated into Portuguese clinical guidelines.
• Specifically examining the inclusion of patients' ideas, fears, expectations, and preferences.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 18 cardiovascular disease guidelines published in Portugal (2011-2013).
• Analysis focused on the explicit incorporation of patient values and preferences.

Main Results:

• Only 5 (28%) of the reviewed guidelines referenced patients' values, exclusively in treatment aspects.
• Patient expectations were the most frequently mentioned value, while financial costs were noted in 78% of guidelines.
• Diagnosis-focused guidelines showed no integration of patient values.

Conclusions:

• Portuguese clinical guidelines demonstrate limited integration of patient values, especially concerning diagnostic approaches.
• This omission risks sidelining patients in clinical decision-making, potentially impacting care quality and increasing healthcare expenditures.
• There's a need to better incorporate patient perspectives into guideline development to align with patient-centered care principles.