Consensus-based Clinical Practice Tools
American College of Radiology – Clinical Guidelines and Standards
The American College of Radiology periodically defines new practice guidelines and technical standards for radiologic practice to help advance the science of radiology and to improve the quality of service to patients throughout the United States. Existing practice guidelines and technical standards will be reviewed for revision or renewal, as appropriate, on their fifth anniversary or sooner, if indicated.
Each practice guideline and technical standard, representing a policy statement by ACR, has undergone a thorough consensus process in which it has been subjected to extensive review, requiring the approval of the Commission on Quality and Safety as well as the ACR Board of Chancellors, the ACR Council Steering Committee and the ACR Council. The practice guidelines and technical standards recognize that the safe and effective use of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology requires specific training, skills and techniques as described in each document. Reproduction or modification of the published practice guidelines and technical standards by those entities not providing these services is not authorized.
International Electrotechnical Commission
ASTRO is involved in the development of international standards and technical reports for the safety and performance of electrical equipment, specifically equipment related to the delivery of radiation therapy. This is accomplished though a group consisting of representatives from ASTRO, ACR and AAPM as well as those in industry. This group is called the U.S. Technical Advisory Group and it advises the U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission, a committee of the American National Standards Institute. ASTRO member Geoffrey Ibbott, Ph.D., is the Deputy Technical Advisor of the IEC Working Group, serving as liaison between the U.S. TAG and the USNC/IEC.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of 19 of the world's leading cancer centers, is an authoritative source of information to help patients and health professionals make informed decisions about cancer care. Through the collective expertise of its member institutions, the NCCN develops, updates and disseminates a complete library of clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines are the standard for clinical policy in oncology. NCCN’s complete spectrum of programs emphasizes improving the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of oncology practice. Programs include Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, Treatment Guidelines for Patients, Oncology Outcomes Project, Clinical Trials Network, educational conferences and symposia for clinicians, the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and collaborations with managed care organizations.
National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care
The National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care developed through consensus of five major U.S. “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care”. The Guidelines describe core precepts and structures of clinical palliative care programs.
