What are Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)?

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are systematically developed statements designed to assist healthcare practitioners in making informed decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances. They serve as a valuable resource for clinicians in order to standardize care based on the latest evidence and best practices. By providing recommendations based on extensive research and expert consensus, CPGs aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance the quality of care, and provide a basis for shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients.

When considering the context of CPGs, they go beyond just being rules or regulations; rather, they guide practitioners on how to manage specific conditions or situations and help patients understand their treatment options, ultimately influencing their choices regarding health care interventions.