Planned and reported implementation of clinical practice guidelines.

The aim of this project was to compare the intentions with reported action of Health Trusts in Scotland to prioritise and implement published SIGN clinical guidelines. All health Trusts in Scotland were asked about plans for implementation, and resurveyed 15-18 months later for confirmation. Specific guideline implementation groups led by medical doctors were the most common implementation structure. Implementation usually consisted of baseline audit, development of a local version, and reaudit. In one case a successful link between acute and primary care through an area level GP audit facilitator was thought to increase implementation. More research is required to: find out what influences the ability of an organisation to implement guidelines; identify particular facilitating factors or barriers; and on factors influencing the ability of a health organisation to implement guidelines.