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Methods underpinning national clinical guidelines for hypertension: Describing the evidence shortfall

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Fiona CampbellORCiD, Dr Heather Dickinson, Dr Julia Cook, Fiona Beyer, Professor James Mason

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Abstract

Background: To be useful, clinical practice guidelines need to be evidence based; otherwise they will not achieve the validity, reliability and credibility required for implementation. Methods: This paper compares the methods used in gathering, analysing and linking of evidence to guideline recommendations in ten current hypertension guidelines. Results: It found several guidelines had failed to implement methods of searching for the relevant literature, critical analysis and linking to recommendations that minimise the risk of bias in the interpretation of research evidence. The more rigorous guidelines showed discrepancies in recommendations and grading that reflected different approaches to the use of evidence in guideline development. Conclusion: Clinical practice guidelines as a methodology are clearly still an evolving health care technology. © 2006 Campbell et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Campbell F, Dickinson HO, Cook JVF, Beyer FR, Eccles M, Mason JM

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: BMC Health Services Research

Year: 2006

Volume: 6

Pages: 47

ISSN (print): 1472-6963

ISSN (electronic):

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-6-47

DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-6-47

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