Affiliation:
1. Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School , Nicosia , Cyprus
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence provides a web-based resource, Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS), whose aim is to give evidence-based guidance for primary care practitioners and students. Included in the information it provides, are tools for the classification of conditions.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to measure the proportion and utility of the classification tools that have implications for management.
Methods
Each topic on the CKS website was screened in alphabetical order for the presence of a classification tool. The linkage to management and the strength of recommendations were extracted by 2 researchers working independently. Disagreements were resolved through discussion.
Results
Classification tools were present for 35 conditions. There were 52 tools in all. A strong recommendation for their use was made in 37% while for a sizeable minority, 46%, the strength of recommendation was uncertain. There was a relation between strength of recommendation and linkage: for the stronger recommendation, 76% had some form of implication for management.
Conclusion
Relevance is an important feature of a guideline for general practitioners (GPs). Given that nearly half its tools have no utility in guiding management, CKS may need to consider whether extraneous information should be disposed of or retained.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
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