Also known as clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), practice guidelines are produced by different health-care organizations and professional bodies at the local, regional or national level. These guidelines address a variety of medical issues and conditions. Although practice guidelines provide practice recommendations based on a systematic review of the research, guidelines produced by different organizations may make different recommendations or they may not be valid.
ECRI Guidelines Trust is currently the best resource aviailable to search widely for practice and clinical guidelines. You can create an account, search for guidelines, and see original documentation at this source. Additionally, ECRI outlines inclusion criteria that is required for a guideline to be included in the ECRI Guidelines Trust.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH is composed of 27 Institutes and Centers and is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research.
Steps to search for practice guidelines within NIH's Institutes:
American College of Physicians
Evidence-based guidelines on many topics relating to internal medicine.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
The RCN collaborates with other organizations to create clinical practice guidelines.
Registered Nurse's Association of Ontario (RNAO)
The RNAO provides free nursing best practice guidelines on selected topics and access to other documents in English and French, some guidelines can be downloaded. RNAO is the professional association representing registered nurses in Ontario, Canada.
Health Services/Technology Assessment Text (HSTAT)
HSTAT is a free searchable collection of large, full-text clinical practice guidelines, technology assessments, quick-reference guides for clinicians, consumer health brochures, evidence reports, and health information.
VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs)
Developed and produced by the Office of Quality and Performance in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
