MANUSCRIPT: Enhancing the Use of Clinical Guidelines: A Social Norms Perspective
This article reviews the history of guideline development and use, assesses the current state of implementation, identifies obstacles to adoption, and suggests strategies to overcome these obstacles. The major finding is that the current approach to development, dissemination, and encouraged use of guidelines is inconsistent with knowledge of psychology.
The major recommendations are that the approach to translation of evidence into practice be revised to address convenience; to respond to public and peer demand; to provide immediate feedback concerning performance; and to leverage existing incentives, transparencies, and accountabilities. Implementation of these recommendations is expected to augment safety and best practice in the health-care community.
Written by Brian S McGowan, PhD
Brian is a research scientist and educational technologist. He helped transform Pfizer’s Medical Education Group and previously served in educational leadership roles at HealthAnswers, Inc.; Acumentis, LLC.; Cephalon; and Wyeth. He taught graduate medical education programs at Arcadia University for 10 years. Dr. McGowan recently authored the book "#socialQI: Simple Solutions for Improving Your Healthcare" and has been invited to speak internationally on the subject of information flow, technology, and learning in healthcare.
