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Implications of practice parameters (guidelines)
1Allergy Research Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.
Allergy Proceedings : the Official Journal of Regional and State Allergy Societies
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Practice parameters, or clinical guidelines, improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs. These guidelines, initially focused on asthma, are increasingly incorporating economic factors and can decrease malpractice liability and hospital admissions.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Practice parameters, or clinical guidelines, have a long history in medical practice.
- The first such parameter, developed in 1993, focused on the diagnosis and treatment of asthma.
- Updated guidelines are evolving to include cost-effectiveness alongside patient care improvements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the evolution and importance of practice parameters in healthcare.
- To emphasize the dual goals of improving patient care and managing costs.
- To underscore the potential benefits of practice parameters, including reduced liability and hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- Review of the historical development of practice parameters.
- Analysis of the objectives and considerations in guideline creation.
- Examination of the impact of practice parameters on patient outcomes and healthcare economics.
Main Results:
- Practice parameters aim to enhance patient care, reduce morbidity and mortality.
- Recent guidelines increasingly integrate cost-effectiveness, particularly within managed care.
- Implementation of practice parameters can lead to reduced malpractice liability and hospital admissions.
Conclusions:
- Practice parameters are essential tools for improving healthcare quality and efficiency.
- The scope of practice parameters is expanding to encompass economic considerations.
- These guidelines are poised to become integral to daily medical practice.