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The AAFP considers endorsement of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that meets its criteria and process. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by other organizations may be placed in the following categories: endorsed, affirmation of value, or not endorsed by the AAFP.
External guidelines designated as endorsed or affirmation of value will be reviewed every five years following their date of publication. Guidelines may be reviewed earlier if new evidence warrants an update.
In December 2014, the AAFP Board of Directors approved an amended process for endorsement of clinical practice guidelines developed by external organizations.
Clinical practice guidelines developed by external organizations relevant to family medicine reviewed after 2014 may be categorized as:
(1) ENDORSED - the AAFP fully endorses the guideline;
(2) AFFIRMATION OF VALUE - the guideline does not meet the requirements for full endorsement or if the AAFP cannot endorse all recommendations but provides some benefit for family physicians.
(3) NOT ENDORSED - the AAFP does not endorse the guideline and the reasons are stated.
Prior to 2015, clinical practice guidelines that are relevant to family medicine reviewed by the AAFP and categorized as:
(1) ENDORSED - the AAFP fully endorses the guideline;
(2) ENDORSED WITH QUALIFICATIONS - the AAFP endorses the guideline or portions of the guideline with qualifications. The qualifications are described (e.g., target populations not sufficiently specified, an evidence report with minor methodological flaw, etc.);
(3) NOT ENDORSED - the AAFP does not endorse the guideline and the reasons are stated.
All clinical practice guidelines considered for endorsement by the AAFP go through a structured review process by the AAFP’s Commission on Health of the Public and Science with Board approval.
These guidelines are provided only as assistance for physicians making clinical decisions regarding the care of their patients. As such, they cannot substitute for the individual judgment brought to each clinical situation by the patient’s family physician. As with all clinical reference resources, they reflect the best understanding of the science of medicine at the time of publication, but they should be used with the clear understanding that continued research may result in new knowledge and recommendations. These guidelines are only one element in the complex process of improving the health of America. To be effective, the guidelines must be implemented.