Clinical guidelines play a crucial role in modern healthcare by standardizing and optimizing medical practice. They have evolved significantly from their early beginnings as simple recommendations to complex, evidence-based documents that influence clinical decision-making worldwide. This manuscript explores the evolution of clinical guidelines, tracing their development from theoretical concepts to practical tools that shape medical practice today. Beginning with an overview of the historical context and early guidelines, it discusses the factors driving their evolution, including advances in medical research, technology, and changes in healthcare delivery. The manuscript also examines the challenges and controversies surrounding guidelines, such as variability in implementation and the tension between standardized care and personalized medicine. Finally, it highlights current trends and future directions in guideline development and dissemination, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to enhance their relevance, accessibility, and impact on patient outcomes.
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Journal of General Practice received 952 citations as per Google Scholar report
