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Guideline Implementation in the Department of Defense^*

^* From Travis Air Force Base, CA.

Correspondence to: Lt. Col. John P. Mitchell, USAF, MC, MD, FCCP, 60MDOS/SGOMP, 101 Bodin Circle, Suite 1C508, Travis AFB, CA 94535; e-mail: john.mitchell{at}60mdg.travis.af.mil

To improve the effectiveness of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), four other components of implementation are necessary. Together, they impressively optimize the process and outcomes of health care, and reduce undesirable variation of care. Aside from CPGs, the four components help make up a successful, long-term, facility-wide, comprehensive disease-management program. First, executive clinical and administrative leaders need to create the expectation and reveal hands-on commitment. Second, work-simplification tools are needed to accomplish the tasks more effectively and to encourage a path of least resistance. Third, useful, accurate metrics are needed to provide feedback for patients and health-care providers who need the most assistance. These metrics must be easily obtained, disseminated in near-real time, patient-specific, anonymous to others, and penalty free. Fourth, and most important, with nonmonetary compensation, this review addresses the question, "What’s in it for all the passionate people who assist in the delivery of health care?"

Key Words: clinical practice guideline • condition management • disease management program

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