The Institute of Medicine (IOM) defines clinical practice guidelines as "statements that include recommendations intended to optimize patient care that are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options. Access to such concise, evidence-based information stands to improve patient outcomes while decreasing time spent researching.

Currently, there isn't one place to find all guidelines but this resource guide provides information on where to best find them.

• Currency and accuracy
  There are a lot of guidelines out there. Make sure you are using the most current guideline and that the guideline you use is a systematic review of the evidence developed by a panel of experts.
   
• Guidelines are not universally accepted
  Difference institutions use different guidelines. Make sure to use the guideline accepted at your institution.