ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines 2002-2004; ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines 2000-2002; European Society of Cardiology 2002-2004. Medical practice guidelines. Separating science from economics.

Over the past twenty years, practice guidelines have become an increasingly popular tool for synthesis of clinical information. The objectives of guidelines are to enhance the appropriateness of practice, improve quality of cardiovascular care, lead to better patient outcomes, improve cost-effectiveness, help authorities to decide on the approval of drugs and devices and identify areas of research needed. Guidelines may also be used as quality measurement for the health insurance. This article summarizes the ESC policy on the management of guidelines on cardiovascular disorsers.