Although the cautious approach taken by guideline panels is understandable, a recent randomized trial, in which more than 500 clinicians were presented with clinical scenarios informed by sparse evidence, found that more than 80% of clinicians preferred receiving a recommendation.
2 Clinicians strongly prefer having recommendations in the context of uncertainty.
Because clear practice recommendations are highly valued by clinicians and may prevent the use of unproven interventions, we believe that guideline panellists should always endeavour to make recommendations in the context of uncertainty. Doing so should not preclude, and may encourage, future relevant research.