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Qual Saf Health Care 2005;14:155 doi:10.1136/qshc.2005.013953
  • Editorial
  • Treatment according to guidelines

I just want the protocol, doctor!

  1. E McColl
  1. Correspondence to:
 Elaine McColl
 Director, Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit, School of Population and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AA, UK; e.mccollnewcastle.ac.uk

    It may not be easy for patients to insist on treatment as part of a guideline protocol

    Some years ago I was diagnosed with chronic open angle glaucoma. Initial treatment involved laser therapy with a daily regimen of eye drops since then. At this year’s review visit I was told that my intraocular pressure was once again raised and that other treatment options, including surgery and/or long term treatment with drugs with unpleasant side effects, might be required. As an informed consumer of health care and an advocate of evidence based medicine, I decided to search for guidelines and protocols on the management of my condition.

    A search of the NICE website (www.nice.org.uk) found nothing of relevance. However, a visit to the National Guidelines Clearing House (www.guidelines.gov) soon led me to the American Optometric Association’s clinical practice guideline on the care of the patient with open angle glaucoma.1 I was …

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