Guidelines for clinical practice: development, dissemination and implementation

Clinical guidelines are one of the most promising and effective advances for defining and improving the quality of care (Journal of Nursing Care Quality 11(5) (1997) 48; Medical Care 39(8 Suppl. 2) (2001) II-46). However, their development, dissemination and implementation in practice are rarely straightforward. Within nursing practice, guidelines have the potential to ensure the clinical application of research findings, thus ensuring that the profession rejects ineffective practices while employing those shown to work. Nevertheless, the benefits and limitations of clinical guidelines should be carefully considered by practitioners, managers and consumers of health care alike.