Recommendations for systematization of national guidelines for treatment of bronchial asthma in adulthood in Germany
Kroegel, C.
Medizinische Klinik 92(10): 621-625
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0723-5003 PMID: 9446012 Document Number: 475624
Medical guidelines provide boundaries that are established for the medical community, within which clinical practice is considered to be acceptable. The main purpose for such guidelines is to improve the quality of care for patients. This can only be accomplished, however, if these documents are accepted and used effectively. In turn, acceptance of therapy guidelines essentially depends on both the structure and the presentation of the contents. GUIDELINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ASTHMA were first issued in 1994 by the Deutsche Atemwegsliga. Since then, almost 4 years have passed, and our knowledge of the pathogenesis of asthma and drug efficacy has improved significantly. In addition, new classes of antiasthmatic drugs will be soon available. These developments make it necessary to adapt the guidelines to current knowledge. The paper proposes several aspects on improving the present guidelines and aims at fueling future discussions.