Guidelines are designed to support the decision-making processes in patient care . The content of a guideline is based on a systematic review of clinical evidence – the main source for evidence-based care.

Purposes of guidelines

• To describe appropriate care based on the best available scientific evidence and broad consensus;
• To reduce inappropriate variation in practice;
• To provide a more rational basis for referral;
• To provide a focus for continuing education;
• To promote efficient use of resources;
• To Act as focus for quality control, including audit;
• To highlight shortcomings of existing literature and suggest appropriate future research.