Algorithms
Algorithms are schematic models of the clinical decision pathway described in a guideline. The decision points are represented with yes/no nodes, and the clinical characteristics, test characteristics, or treatment options are also simplified into their basic components. Because of this abbreviated format, algorithms can be very useful clinical tools but are not exhaustive. An algorithm, like the guideline itself, cannot take into account all patient-related variables such as disease state, clinical setting, or economic and insurance issues. Thus, they are to be used only as a guide and should never override the clinician's and patient's best judgment.
Index:
- Management of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease NEW
- Pharmacological Treatment of Acute Major Depression and Dysthymia
- Do you prefer the algorithm format to the full text version?
- What do you like and not like about it?
- How would you have structured the information?
We would appreciate your feedback about the algorithm as a guideline form. We are particularly interested in your answers to the following questions:
Algorithm Development Models
Hadorn, David C. Use of algorithms in clinical guideline development
in Clinical Practice Guideline Development: Methodology Perspectives, pp 93-104. AHCPR Pub. No. 95-0009. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research: Rockville, MD, Jan. 1995.
Society for Medical Decision Making, Committee on Standardization of Clinical Algorithms. Proposal for Clinical Algorithm Standards in Med Decis Making 12:149-54; 1992.
Acrobat PDF format.
Download Acrobat Reader
software for free from Adobe.
Problems with PDFs?
Search PIER® - Decision Support
ACP Members Only. Decision support for over 460 clinical topics.
New Clinical Topics
- Massage Therapy versus Simple Touch to Improve Pain and Mood in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial
- Annals of Internal Medicine, September 16, 2008
- Pharmacologic Treatment of Low Bone Density or Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians
- Annals of Internal Medicine, September 16, 2008
Access your peers' clinical expertise in our ACP members-only Clinical Practice Discussion Group
Introducing ACP Summer Session
The most popular learning formats from the Internal Medicine meeting offered at only $35 for ACP members! Combine CME and leisure time in San Francisco, CA or Orlando, FL
The International Medical Graduate's Guide to US Medicine and Residency Training
Providing an overview of residency training and life in America, this is the one-source reference tool international medical graduates have been waiting for.
