The primary purpose of practice guidelines is to

The primary purpose of practice guidelines is to minimize variations in care. By standardizing care processes and treatment protocols, practice guidelines help ensure that patients receiveconsistent and evidence-based care, regardless of the provider or location. This reduces the risk of errors, improves patient outcomes, and enhances the overall quality of care.

Decrease malpractice premiums (A): While standardized care can reduce malpractice risks, this is not the primary purpose of practice guidelines.

Document outcomes (C): Practice guidelines are used to standardize care, not specifically to document outcomes.

Decrease the length of stay (D): Guidelines may help reduce the length of stay by promoting efficient care, but this is not their primary purpose.

References

NAHQ Body of Knowledge: Practice Guidelines and Standardization

NAHQ CPHQ Exam Preparation Materials: Purpose and Implementation of Guidelines

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