Chapter 4 : How to develop patient versions of guidelines

Patient versions of guidelines ‘translate’ guideline recommendations originally formulated for clinicians, to patients and the public. This way, patients can learn about the current standard of care, and how—based on the best available evidence—physicians should treat their condition. Patient versions of guidelines support the trusting relationship between patients and their physicians as both can base their decision on the same body of evidence and standards of care approved by experts in collaboration with patients and/or consumers. Patient versions of guidelines are important tools for shared decision-making and support the implementation of CPGs.