Initial Post

Word Count: 250 words

Is the use of evidence-based medicine to standardize care through practice guidelines a positive development for the U.S. healthcare system? Many argue that it is and the current trends seem to indicate that the use of guidelines will likely increase in the future. Even so, detractors argue that clinical practice guidelines are nothing more than a cookbook approach to medicine and that provider autonomy is sacrificed in the process.

Based on your readings and understanding of the development and use of clinical practice guidelines, identify at least two positive effects and two negative effects of using guidelines to provide health care. In your opinion, is the use of clinical practice guidelines in providing care a positive feature of a health care system or an indication of the practice of cookbook medicine? Support your opinion.