Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What term describes recommendations for treating a disease based on experimental and observational studies?

1. Cost analysis

2. Physician consensus statements

3. Clinical practice guidelines

4. Patient preference guidelines

The correct answer is: Clinical practice guidelines

Clinical practice guidelines are systematically developed statements that assist practitioners and patients in making decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances. They are based on the synthesis of evidence from experimental studies, such as randomized controlled trials, as well as observational studies that provide insights into the effectiveness and safety of treatments. These guidelines aim to standardize care, improve patient outcomes, and streamline the decision-making process by utilizing the best available evidence. The development of clinical practice guidelines often involves rigorous methodology, including a thorough review of the literature, assessment of the quality of the evidence, and consensus among experts in the field. This ensures that the recommendations are reliable, feasible, and applicable in various clinical settings. The use of clinical practice guidelines helps healthcare providers make informed choices and provides a foundation for the best practices in patient care.