Overcoming challenges in the implementation of clinical practice guidelines in China

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are ‘systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific circumstances’. 1 The implementation of guidelines can help optimise resource utilisation, reduce variations in clinical practice and identify and apply evidence-based recommendations safely and effectively.2 In China, the number of guidelines is increasing annually, while low adherence remains a significant challenge. Low adherence not only wastes healthcare resources but also allows preventable deaths to occur. Addressing the poor implementation of guidelines in China is urgent.