The dissemination of the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers Clinical Practice Guideline 2014 in the academic literature

Abstract

To the Editor, Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are widely used in healthcare to optimize patient care and to improve outcomes. Since the early 1990s, numerous national and international pressure ulcers/injuries CPGs have been published and updated.1 However, developing and updating guidelines in itself will not improve patient care without effective dissemination and implementation. Dissemination is the process through which new health information is spread from developers/researchers to health professionals who will implement new practice.2 Effective dissemination of a guideline is a necessary first step in achieving the best clinical practice recommended within a guideline.3