For busy healthcare professionals, especially those in advanced practice, staying abreast of the latest clinical practice guidelines is crucial, yet often challenging. Point Of Care Tools are designed to bridge this gap, offering quick, reliable access to essential information needed for informed decision-making right at the patient’s side. This compilation highlights a range of practice briefs, acting as invaluable point of care tools, across various medical specialties. These resources, primarily sourced from reputable organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Cardiology (ACC), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are curated to streamline your access to critical clinical guidance.
Cardiology Point of Care Tools
Cardiovascular health remains a leading concern globally. Navigating the complexities of cardiology requires immediate access to trusted guidelines. Here are essential point of care tools in cardiology:
AHA/ACC Guideline on Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk (2013)
Lifestyle modifications are foundational in cardiovascular risk reduction. This practice brief, stemming from the AHA/ACC guideline, serves as a point of care tool to quickly reference key recommendations for lifestyle management in preventing cardiovascular diseases. It emphasizes diet, exercise, and behavioral changes crucial for patient well-being.
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AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for Atrial Fibrillation Management (2014)
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), characterized by irregular heart rhythm, demands precise management. This guideline, a collaborative effort by AHA, ACC, and HRS, provides recommendations for managing patients with AFib. As a point of care tool, this brief assists in rapid consultation of best practices in diagnosing and treating this common arrhythmia.
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Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke (2019 AHA Guidelines)
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) requires immediate and evidence-based intervention. The 2019 AHA guidelines offer a comprehensive approach to AIS management. This practice brief acts as a crucial point of care tool, summarizing evaluation, treatment, and secondary prevention strategies for AIS, ensuring clinicians can quickly access vital protocols during critical moments.
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Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults
Hypertension management is fundamental in primary care. This updated guideline on managing high blood pressure in adults, differing significantly from JNC 7, provides current recommendations for hypertension care. Utilize this practice brief as a point of care tool for efficiently reviewing the latest approaches to diagnosing and managing hypertension.
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Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) Management
Post-cardiac arrest care is rapidly evolving. Guidelines from AHA and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine offer updated recommendations for patients with ROSC. This practice brief is a vital point of care tool for multidisciplinary teams, providing quick access to protocols aimed at optimizing survival and neurological outcomes post-cardiac arrest.
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Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) Management Guidelines (2015 AHA Update)
Managing spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) requires specialized knowledge and timely intervention. The 2015 AHA guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations for ICH management. As a point of care tool, this brief helps clinicians rapidly access best practices for evaluating, treating, and implementing secondary prevention for patients with spontaneous ICH.
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Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Point of Care Tools
ENT conditions are frequently encountered in primary care settings. Having quick references is essential:
Allergic Rhinitis Clinical Practice Guideline
Developed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, this guideline aims to standardize and improve the management of allergic rhinitis. This practice brief serves as a point of care tool for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment strategies for allergic rhinitis, a common condition affecting a large population.
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Genetics Point of Care Tools
Genetic counseling and testing are increasingly important in personalized medicine.
Genetic Counseling and Testing by Advanced Practice Providers
This practice brief addresses the limited availability of general guidelines for genetic counseling and testing. As a point of care tool, it highlights key considerations for advanced practice providers involved in genetic services, offering guidance in a rapidly evolving field.
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Health Promotion and Wellness Point of Care Tools
Promoting health and wellness across the lifespan is a core aspect of healthcare.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment and Treatment in Children and Adolescents
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) updated practice parameters for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This practice brief functions as a point of care tool summarizing revised guidelines for assessing and treating ASD in children and adolescents, aiding in early intervention and comprehensive care.
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Sleep Disorder Management Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines
AIM Specialty Health® guidelines on polysomnography and home sleep testing are summarized in this brief. In managing sleep disorders, this point of care tool offers a concise overview of diagnostic and treatment guidelines, promoting efficient and appropriate specialty services for patients with sleep disturbances.
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Infectious Disease Point of Care Tools
Infectious diseases require constant vigilance and updated protocols.
Management of Post-COVID-19 Conditions
The long-term effects of COVID-19 necessitate accessible guidance. This practice brief provides the latest recommendations for managing post-COVID conditions, referencing full CDC guidelines. It serves as an essential point of care tool for addressing the multifaceted challenges of post-acute COVID syndrome.
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Measles: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention Recommendations
Measles outbreaks highlight the need for readily available information on this highly contagious disease. This CDC-based practice brief acts as a point of care tool for healthcare providers, summarizing key recommendations for measles assessment, treatment, and prevention strategies.
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Mpox: Epidemiology, Recognition, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Mpox (monkeypox) requires up-to-date clinical guidance. This practice brief provides current recommendations regarding Mpox, covering epidemiology, recognition, diagnosis, and treatment protocols. It functions as a crucial point of care tool for clinicians navigating this evolving infectious disease landscape.
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HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – Injectable and Oral
Preventing HIV transmission is paramount. These practice briefs cover both injectable and oral PrEP for HIV prevention, based on CDC guidelines. As point of care tools, they support clinicians in implementing effective PrEP strategies for high-risk populations, contributing to HIV prevention efforts.
View Injectable PrEP Brief
View Oral PrEP Brief
Sepsis and Septic Shock Management (Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021 Guidelines)
Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening conditions demanding rapid and protocolized care. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines are regularly updated. This practice brief, summarizing the 2021 guidelines, acts as a vital point of care tool for clinicians managing sepsis and septic shock, providing quick access to critical, evidence-based protocols.
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Clostridium Difficile Infections Prevention in Acute Care Hospitals (2014 SHEA/IDSA Guidelines)
Preventing healthcare-associated infections is a priority. This practice brief summarizes the 2014 SHEA/IDSA guidelines for preventing Clostridium difficile infections in acute care settings. It serves as a point of care tool to reinforce infection control strategies and improve patient safety in hospitals.
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Nephrology Point of Care Tools
Kidney disease management is a critical aspect of chronic care.
Diabetic Kidney Disease (KDIGO Guidelines)
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major complication of diabetes. This practice brief, based on KDIGO guidelines, assists clinicians in monitoring and managing patients with diabetes to reduce the risk of DKD progression. As a point of care tool, it offers quick access to guidelines for managing this significant comorbidity.
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Obesity and Weight Management Point of Care Tools
Obesity management requires a comprehensive and evidence-based approach.
Pharmacological Management of Obesity (OMA 2020 Obesity Algorithm)
The Obesity Management Association (OMA) 2020 Obesity Algorithm provides guidance on obesity management, including pharmacological interventions. This practice brief acts as a point of care tool, summarizing the algorithm and offering quick reference for pharmacologic strategies in conjunction with lifestyle modifications for obesity treatment.
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Oncology and Hematology Point of Care Tools
Cancer screening and management are constantly evolving fields.
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Summary
Navigating the various breast cancer screening guidelines can be complex. This practice brief summarizes guidelines from ACS, ACOG, and USPSTF, offering a comparative overview. As a point of care tool, it assists clinicians in understanding and applying different breast cancer screening recommendations.
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Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines (2021 USPSTF Guidelines)
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a vital preventive health measure. This brief provides guidance based on the 2021 USPSTF guidelines for CRC screening in average-risk individuals. It serves as a point of care tool for implementing effective CRC screening strategies in primary care.
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Pain Management Point of Care Tools
Pain management requires careful consideration and adherence to best practices.
Opioid Prescribing Guidelines
Safe opioid prescribing is crucial in pain management. This practice brief summarizes updated CDC recommendations for opioid prescribing for non-cancer pain. It acts as a point of care tool to promote evidence-based and safe opioid prescribing practices, mitigating risks while addressing patient needs.
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Opioids for Chronic Non-cancer Pain (AAN Position Paper)
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) position paper on long-term opioid use for non-cancer pain is summarized in this brief. As a point of care tool, it offers insights into the AAN’s stance and recommendations regarding long-term opioid therapy, informing clinical decision-making in chronic pain management.
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Acute and Preventive Migraine Treatment in Children and Adolescents (AAN Guidelines)
Migraine management in younger populations requires specialized approaches. These practice briefs summarize AAN guidelines for both acute and preventive migraine treatment in children and adolescents. Serving as point of care tools, they provide quick access to evidence-based strategies for managing pediatric migraines.
View Acute Migraine Treatment Brief
View Preventive Migraine Treatment Brief
Primary Care Management of Headaches in Adults (TOP Guidelines)
Toward Optimized Practice (TOP) of Alberta, Canada, guidelines for headache management in adults are summarized here. This practice brief acts as a point of care tool for primary care providers, offering evidence-based guidance for diagnosing and managing headaches in adult patients.
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Psych and Mental Health Point of Care Tools
Mental health is integral to overall well-being, and primary care plays a vital role in its management.
Primary Care Diagnosis and Management of Adult Depression
The 2014 Michigan Quality Improvement Consortium guideline for depression management is summarized in this brief. As a point of care tool, it supports primary care clinicians in effectively diagnosing and managing depression in adults, based on synthesized evidence and national guidelines.
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Pulmonary and Respiratory Point of Care Tools
Respiratory conditions are common, requiring efficient access to guidelines for optimal patient care.
COPD Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention (GOLD 2020)
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines are a cornerstone in COPD management. This practice brief summarizes the 2020 GOLD report. Serving as a point of care tool, it offers a concise overview of the latest recommendations for COPD diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies.
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Women’s Health Point of Care Tools
Women’s health encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical needs.
Menopausal Symptoms: Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies (AHRQ 2015)
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) report comparing therapies for menopausal symptoms is summarized. This practice brief acts as a point of care tool, offering a comparative effectiveness review of different therapies for managing menopausal symptoms, aiding in informed treatment decisions.
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In conclusion, these practice briefs serve as essential point of care tools, designed to provide healthcare professionals with rapid access to summarized clinical guidelines across a spectrum of medical specialties. By utilizing these resources, clinicians can enhance their practice, ensure evidence-based care, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
