I was reading through a lot of guidance today that's been published by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) since I've been drawn into doing some work on quality standards and care pathways and stuff. It's not an organisation directly controlled by the government, but it's funded by it. Sort of independent, but sort of State organised.
I've issues with guidance, since it's easily given too much authority and seen as the best and only "evidence" and direction. When mis-used in this manner it's worse than having no guidance at all and actively undermines both appropriate commissioning/resourcing of services and undermines patient centred care.
When used well, as something to consider and actively follow or consciously discount for valid patient factors/reasons, NICE guidance is a very useful resource.
Taking it simply for what it is, of informed opinion, so one credible point of view, it's got a very useful place.
It's quite a formal organisation. Proper. Seemly.
In the USA they have formal health bodies, like the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). In their guidance for emergency preparation and readiness they've issued govenrment guidance on what to do in a Zombie Apocalypse.
Geeeenius!
No comments:
Post a Comment