Dutch evidence-based guidelines for amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremity: Rehabilitation process and prosthetics. Part 2.

Background: A structured, multidisciplinary approach in the rehabilitation process after amputation is needed that includes a greater focus on the involvement of both (para)medics and prosthetists. There is considerable variation in prosthetic prescription concerning the moment of initial prosthesis fitting and the use of replacement parts.

Objectives: To produce an evidence-based guideline for the amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremities.

Dutch evidence-based guidelines for amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremity: Amputation surgery and postoperative management. Part 1.

Background: Surgeons still use a range of criteria to determine whether amputation is indicated. In addition, there is considerable debate regarding immediate postoperative management, especially concerning the use of 'immediate/delayed fitting' versus conservative elastic bandaging.

Objectives: To produce an evidence-based guideline for the amputation and prosthetics of the lower extremities.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: an evidence-based clinical guideline.

Ankle injuries are a huge medical and socioeconomic problem. Many people have a traumatic injury of the ankle, most of which are a result of sports. Total costs of treatment and work absenteeism due to ankle injuries are high.

Evidence based guidelines for complex regional pain syndrome type 1.

Background: Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) is subject to discussion. The purpose of this study was to develop multidisciplinary guidelines for treatment of CRPS-I.

Method: A multidisciplinary task force graded literature evaluating treatment effects for CRPS-I according to their strength of evidence, published between 1980 to June 2005.

Guideline development.

During the last decade many countries have become increasingly interested in the development and use of evidence-based practice guidelines, recognising that guidelines are key tools to improve the quality and appropriateness of health care. They are considered to be the ideal mediator for bridging the gap between the growing stream of research findings and actual clinical practice. Systematic reviews of guideline evaluations have shown that clinical practice guidelines can be an effective means of both changing the process of healthcare delivery and improving outcomes.

Transforming written guidelines into electronic formats--international perspectives.

The Guidelines International Network (G-1-N www.g-i-n.net) is a major new international initiative involving guideline-developing organisations from around the world.

Protocure: supporting the development of medical protocols through formal methods.

Medical guidelines and protocols describe the optimal care for a specific group of patients and therefore, when properly applied, improve the quality of patient care. During the last decade, a large number of medical guidelines and protocols have been published. However, the work done on developing and disseminating them far outweighs the efforts on guaranteeing their quality.