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A practice guideline revisited: screening for hypertension
1Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|June 15, 1995
Summary
The American College of Physicians updates clinical guidelines using new evidence. This process ensures recommendations for common screening tests remain current and effective for patient care.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Efficacy Assessment
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Previous guidelines on common screening tests were published between 1988-1990 and collected in 1991.
- The Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee is reevaluating these guidelines.
- Only three guidelines (breast, colon, cholesterol) will be updated with new recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new format for updating Clinical Efficacy Assessment Project (CEAP) guidelines.
- To address guidelines where new evidence has not altered previous recommendations.
- To affirm existing recommendations based on updated evidence analysis.
Main Methods:
- Dr. Littenberg analyzed evidence published since the 1990 hypertension screening paper.
- A new format was developed for updating CEAP guidelines without new evidence.
- Internal and external review procedures were followed, standard for CEAP guidelines.
Main Results:
- The analysis affirmed the American College of Physicians' 1990 recommendations for hypertension screening.
- The "updated guideline" reports on new published studies.
- A systematic approach for regular guideline updates is planned.
Conclusions:
- The new format effectively updates guidelines when new evidence does not necessitate changes.
- The American College of Physicians is committed to maintaining up-to-date clinical guidelines.
- This methodology ensures continued relevance and accuracy of screening test recommendations.