Researchers analyzed 41 published ISDA guidelines that were released between Jan. 1994 and May 2010. The recommendations were separated based on their strength of recommendation (level A-C) and quality of evidence (level I-III). Within the 41 guidelines, 4,218 recommendations were found. Fourteen percent of the recommendations were classified as level I quality of evidence; 31 percent of the recommendations were classified as level II quality of evidence; and 55 percent of the recommendations were classified as level III quality of evidence.
Additionally, among A-level recommendations that included strong evidence through clinical trials, 23 percent were level I and 37 percent were level III, which were based on expert opinion.
As a result, researchers say physicians should exercise great caution when using current guidelines as a sole source of guidance in patient care decisions.
Read the study about ISDA guidelines.
Read other coverage about infection control:
– AORN will Target 7 States to Enact RNs as Circulators in 2011
– Researchers Study Quantity and Location of MRSA Colonization
– Infection Diseases Society of America Issues First MRSA Treatment Guidelines
