PRACTICE GUIDELINES - WHAT ARE INTERNISTS LOOKING FOR

To determine features of the presentation of clinical practice guideli nes that may enhance their use by internists, we conducted a cross-sec tional survey to which 1,513 (60%) of 2,513 eligible internists respon ded, Endorsements by respected colleagues and by major organizations w ere identified as very important by 72% and 69% of respondents, respec tively. Respondents preferred short pamphlets and manuals summarizing a number of guidelines and felt that concise recommendations (86%), sy nopsis of supporting evidence (85%), and quantification of benefit (77 %) were important in guideline presentation, We conclude that guidelin e developers should gain the endorsement of major organizations and pr esent key aspects in brief, easily assimilated formats.