Clinical guidelinesare widely used by physicians to advise on appropriate patient care, and smart phone apps are increasingly being adopted by the general public to provide guidance on self-management for long-term conditions. It is therefore important that such tools provide clear, safe and correct recommendations. Research articles published inBMC Medicinethis week have assessed the quality of hereditary breast cancer screening guidelines for physicians and asthma self-management apps for patients.

Stefania Bocciaand colleagues fromUniversità Cattolica del Sacro Cuorecarried out anevaluationof hereditary breast screening guidelines using theAGREEinstrument. Around1 in 20 womencarry a gene conferring increased susceptibility to breast cancer, and can undergo screening to ensure early detection and treatment. Guidelines are used by physicians to decide whether or not a patient should undergo genetic testing, taking into account ethical and cost issues. Boccia and colleagues’ assessment indicated potential limitations of the guidelines, and the authors highlight that they should be improved in order to make clear and evidence-based recommendations.

应用哮喘自我管理systematically assessedbyJosip Carand colleagues fromImperial College London, finding that none combine reliable information with appropriate supportive tools. These results indicate that physicians recommending healthcare apps should apply caution as some may be unsafe.

Quality guidance is also important for parents caring forchildren with mental health and behavioral problems. TheTriple P positive parenting program, an evidence-based guide that promotes positive parenting strategies, was developed byMatthew Sandersat theUniversity of Queenslandand is widely adopted across many countries. Asystematic review and meta-analysisbyPhilip Wilsonand colleagues published recently inBMC Medicineshowed that long-term effectiveness of the Triple P program has not been adequately assessed, concluding that a review of the system is needed. In response to this study, Matthew Sanders and colleagues responded with acommentaryon the potential limitations of the meta-analysis, emphasizing the evidence upon which the program has been built. These articles highlight the importance of assessing the long-term impact of guidance programs such as Triple P.

Also published inBMC Medicinethis week, adebatearticle by David George and colleagues from theNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholismexplored the role of physicians in managing explosive rage. While rage episodes can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, there are no formal guidelines for treatment. The authors recommend that physicians have a unique opportunity to diagnose and treat patients suffering from rage, and that astute clinicians should look out for the signs.

Together, these research and debate articles emphasize the need for the development of quality healthcare guidance in the form of physician guidelines, patient self-management apps and parenting programs. Future studies assessing the efficacy and credibility of such strategies should aid in the development of more effective and safe recommendations.