Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309453070
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 487
Book Description
Significant changes have taken place in the policy landscape surrounding cannabis legalization, production, and use. During the past 20 years, 25 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis and/or cannabidiol (a component of cannabis) for medical conditions or retail sales at the state level and 4 states have legalized both the medical and recreational use of cannabis. These landmark changes in policy have impacted cannabis use patterns and perceived levels of risk. However, despite this changing landscape, evidence regarding the short- and long-term health effects of cannabis use remains elusive. While a myriad of studies have examined cannabis use in all its various forms, often these research conclusions are not appropriately synthesized, translated for, or communicated to policy makers, health care providers, state health officials, or other stakeholders who have been charged with influencing and enacting policies, procedures, and laws related to cannabis use. Unlike other controlled substances such as alcohol or tobacco, no accepted standards for safe use or appropriate dose are available to help guide individuals as they make choices regarding the issues of if, when, where, and how to use cannabis safely and, in regard to therapeutic uses, effectively. Shifting public sentiment, conflicting and impeded scientific research, and legislative battles have fueled the debate about what, if any, harms or benefits can be attributed to the use of cannabis or its derivatives, and this lack of aggregated knowledge has broad public health implications. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids provides a comprehensive review of scientific evidence related to the health effects and potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis. This report provides a research agendaâ€"outlining gaps in current knowledge and opportunities for providing additional insight into these issuesâ€"that summarizes and prioritizes pressing research needs.
The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309453070
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 487
Book Description
Significant changes have taken place in the policy landscape surrounding cannabis legalization, production, and use. During the past 20 years, 25 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis and/or cannabidiol (a component of cannabis) for medical conditions or retail sales at the state level and 4 states have legalized both the medical and recreational use of cannabis. These landmark changes in policy have impacted cannabis use patterns and perceived levels of risk. However, despite this changing landscape, evidence regarding the short- and long-term health effects of cannabis use remains elusive. While a myriad of studies have examined cannabis use in all its various forms, often these research conclusions are not appropriately synthesized, translated for, or communicated to policy makers, health care providers, state health officials, or other stakeholders who have been charged with influencing and enacting policies, procedures, and laws related to cannabis use. Unlike other controlled substances such as alcohol or tobacco, no accepted standards for safe use or appropriate dose are available to help guide individuals as they make choices regarding the issues of if, when, where, and how to use cannabis safely and, in regard to therapeutic uses, effectively. Shifting public sentiment, conflicting and impeded scientific research, and legislative battles have fueled the debate about what, if any, harms or benefits can be attributed to the use of cannabis or its derivatives, and this lack of aggregated knowledge has broad public health implications. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids provides a comprehensive review of scientific evidence related to the health effects and potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis. This report provides a research agendaâ€"outlining gaps in current knowledge and opportunities for providing additional insight into these issuesâ€"that summarizes and prioritizes pressing research needs.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309453070
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 487
Book Description
Significant changes have taken place in the policy landscape surrounding cannabis legalization, production, and use. During the past 20 years, 25 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis and/or cannabidiol (a component of cannabis) for medical conditions or retail sales at the state level and 4 states have legalized both the medical and recreational use of cannabis. These landmark changes in policy have impacted cannabis use patterns and perceived levels of risk. However, despite this changing landscape, evidence regarding the short- and long-term health effects of cannabis use remains elusive. While a myriad of studies have examined cannabis use in all its various forms, often these research conclusions are not appropriately synthesized, translated for, or communicated to policy makers, health care providers, state health officials, or other stakeholders who have been charged with influencing and enacting policies, procedures, and laws related to cannabis use. Unlike other controlled substances such as alcohol or tobacco, no accepted standards for safe use or appropriate dose are available to help guide individuals as they make choices regarding the issues of if, when, where, and how to use cannabis safely and, in regard to therapeutic uses, effectively. Shifting public sentiment, conflicting and impeded scientific research, and legislative battles have fueled the debate about what, if any, harms or benefits can be attributed to the use of cannabis or its derivatives, and this lack of aggregated knowledge has broad public health implications. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids provides a comprehensive review of scientific evidence related to the health effects and potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis. This report provides a research agendaâ€"outlining gaps in current knowledge and opportunities for providing additional insight into these issuesâ€"that summarizes and prioritizes pressing research needs.
Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis
Author: British Medical Association
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000159655
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
At the last Annual Representative Meeting of the British Medical Association a motion was passed that `certain additional cannabinoids should be legalized for wider medicinal use.'' This report supports this landmark statement by reviewing the scientific evidence for the therapeutic use of cannabinoids and sets the agenda for change. It will be welcomed by those who believe that cannabinoids can be used in medical treatment. The report discusses in a clear and readable form the use and adverse effects of the drug for nausea, multiple sclerosis, pain, epilepsy, glaucoma, and asthma.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000159655
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
At the last Annual Representative Meeting of the British Medical Association a motion was passed that `certain additional cannabinoids should be legalized for wider medicinal use.'' This report supports this landmark statement by reviewing the scientific evidence for the therapeutic use of cannabinoids and sets the agenda for change. It will be welcomed by those who believe that cannabinoids can be used in medical treatment. The report discusses in a clear and readable form the use and adverse effects of the drug for nausea, multiple sclerosis, pain, epilepsy, glaucoma, and asthma.
CBD Oil for Health
Author: Michele Ross
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1507213999
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 128
Book Description
Discover the amazing all-natural healing and beauty benefits of cannabidiol oil in this easy-to-use guide that offers 100 ways to use CBD in your personal wellness routine. Using CBD oil for calming and relaxation techniques has become a popular trend—and it’s easy to see why! It can reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation with benefits that can be felt immediately. In CBD Oil for Health you will find 100 different uses for CBD oil that will promote and transcend your wellness routine. Including information about CBD oil such as why it’s legal, how it works in the body, its health benefits, proper dosage, special considerations and more, this detailed resource will allow you to use your CBD oil with confidence. You will discover all the benefits this all-natural oil can bring—without dangerous chemicals or costly procedures. From curing acne to reducing wrinkles and strengthening hair to eliminating bad breath there’s no limit to the benefits this oil can provide!
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1507213999
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 128
Book Description
Discover the amazing all-natural healing and beauty benefits of cannabidiol oil in this easy-to-use guide that offers 100 ways to use CBD in your personal wellness routine. Using CBD oil for calming and relaxation techniques has become a popular trend—and it’s easy to see why! It can reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation with benefits that can be felt immediately. In CBD Oil for Health you will find 100 different uses for CBD oil that will promote and transcend your wellness routine. Including information about CBD oil such as why it’s legal, how it works in the body, its health benefits, proper dosage, special considerations and more, this detailed resource will allow you to use your CBD oil with confidence. You will discover all the benefits this all-natural oil can bring—without dangerous chemicals or costly procedures. From curing acne to reducing wrinkles and strengthening hair to eliminating bad breath there’s no limit to the benefits this oil can provide!
Reader's Digest The Essential Guide to CBD
Author: Reader's Digest and Project CBD
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1621455076
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 220
Book Description
The Reader’s Digest Essential Guide to CBD is an authoritative but user-friendly primer on CBD. CBD has splashed across the nation’s headlines, taken the country by storm, and has everyone from Coca-Cola to Starbucks considering adding this new “miracle supplement” to their drinks. But the FDA has only approved it for use in treating epilepsy in children. What is CBD, anyway? What’s the difference between CBD, THC, cannabis, hemp, and marijuana? Can CBD help me lose weight? How much CBD do I need to take to help my condition? What do I look for when buying CBD? Is it better to take CBD oil or gummies or what? The Reader’s Digest Guide to CBD will answer all of these questions and much more, including both first-person anecdotes of real people’s experiences with CBD and straightforward reporting about what studies have actually been done and what they show. Written in part by the experts at Project CBD, the book will separate fact from fiction, hype from reality.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1621455076
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 220
Book Description
The Reader’s Digest Essential Guide to CBD is an authoritative but user-friendly primer on CBD. CBD has splashed across the nation’s headlines, taken the country by storm, and has everyone from Coca-Cola to Starbucks considering adding this new “miracle supplement” to their drinks. But the FDA has only approved it for use in treating epilepsy in children. What is CBD, anyway? What’s the difference between CBD, THC, cannabis, hemp, and marijuana? Can CBD help me lose weight? How much CBD do I need to take to help my condition? What do I look for when buying CBD? Is it better to take CBD oil or gummies or what? The Reader’s Digest Guide to CBD will answer all of these questions and much more, including both first-person anecdotes of real people’s experiences with CBD and straightforward reporting about what studies have actually been done and what they show. Written in part by the experts at Project CBD, the book will separate fact from fiction, hype from reality.
Kratom is Medicine
Author: Michele Ross
Publisher: GreenStone Books
ISBN:
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 186
Book Description
Learn how to improve your health and wellness with the healing powers of kratom, the CBD of opioids. Dr. Michele Ross is a neuroscientist with fibromyalgia who came off a dozen prescriptions after discovering the power of kratom, cannabis, and mushrooms. As a health coach and five-time author she has helped thousands of patients heal and educated doctors and nurses around the world on the power of plant medicine. In this groundbreaking book she explains the current state of research on how kratom works in the body to provide natural balance to the opioid system without the dangers of synthetic prescription opioids. Many of the plant's compounds including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and their therapeutic effects are described in detail. Readers will learn how to safely navigate the process of buying and using kratom products, as well as understand whether kratom is legal where they live. As kratom laws continue to evolve across the world, it's more important than ever for patients struggling with pain, anxiety, insomnia, and even substance abuse to understand the benefits of this plant from an honest, science-based perspective. Kratom is Medicine empowers patients to make an informed decision about whether kratom is right for them.
Publisher: GreenStone Books
ISBN:
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 186
Book Description
Learn how to improve your health and wellness with the healing powers of kratom, the CBD of opioids. Dr. Michele Ross is a neuroscientist with fibromyalgia who came off a dozen prescriptions after discovering the power of kratom, cannabis, and mushrooms. As a health coach and five-time author she has helped thousands of patients heal and educated doctors and nurses around the world on the power of plant medicine. In this groundbreaking book she explains the current state of research on how kratom works in the body to provide natural balance to the opioid system without the dangers of synthetic prescription opioids. Many of the plant's compounds including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and their therapeutic effects are described in detail. Readers will learn how to safely navigate the process of buying and using kratom products, as well as understand whether kratom is legal where they live. As kratom laws continue to evolve across the world, it's more important than ever for patients struggling with pain, anxiety, insomnia, and even substance abuse to understand the benefits of this plant from an honest, science-based perspective. Kratom is Medicine empowers patients to make an informed decision about whether kratom is right for them.
Cannabinoids and Pain
Author: Samer N. Narouze
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030691861
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 339
Book Description
This book presents a well-balanced view of the potential medical use of cannabinoids in pain. It comprehensively covers the current challenges with medical cannabis utilization and provides recommendations for research and future directions. Organized into nine sections, the book begins with an introduction to medical cannabis, including its history, regulations, and the general attitudes of pain physicians on cannabis. Section two explores the biological effects of marijuana via the endocannabinoid system and its complex structure of receptors and enzymes. Sections three, four, and five then delve further into pharmacology and the mechanisms of action applicable to cannabinoids in managing pain. Timely and socially conscious, section six examines the benefits of substituting opioids with cannabinoids for preoperative management. Echoing the book's well-rounded content, sections seven and eight consider the challenges with medical cannabis, including safety and quality control, brain development risks, vaping hazards, and withdrawal. The book then closes with a look at the future of cannabis in medical research. Thoroughly and equitably composed, Cannabinoids and Pain is an invaluable resource for primary care physicians, pain and palliative care physicians, and oncologists.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030691861
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 339
Book Description
This book presents a well-balanced view of the potential medical use of cannabinoids in pain. It comprehensively covers the current challenges with medical cannabis utilization and provides recommendations for research and future directions. Organized into nine sections, the book begins with an introduction to medical cannabis, including its history, regulations, and the general attitudes of pain physicians on cannabis. Section two explores the biological effects of marijuana via the endocannabinoid system and its complex structure of receptors and enzymes. Sections three, four, and five then delve further into pharmacology and the mechanisms of action applicable to cannabinoids in managing pain. Timely and socially conscious, section six examines the benefits of substituting opioids with cannabinoids for preoperative management. Echoing the book's well-rounded content, sections seven and eight consider the challenges with medical cannabis, including safety and quality control, brain development risks, vaping hazards, and withdrawal. The book then closes with a look at the future of cannabis in medical research. Thoroughly and equitably composed, Cannabinoids and Pain is an invaluable resource for primary care physicians, pain and palliative care physicians, and oncologists.
Compounded Topical Pain Creams
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 030967218X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 353
Book Description
Pain is both a symptom and a disease. It manifests in multiple forms and its treatment is complex. Physical, social, economic, and emotional consequences of pain can impair an individual's overall health, well-being, productivity, and relationships in myriad ways. The impact of pain at a population level is vast and, while estimates differ, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 50 million U.S. adults are living in pain. In terms of pain's global impact, estimates suggest the problem affects approximately 1 in 5 adults across the world, with nearly 1 in 10 adults newly diagnosed with chronic pain each year. In recent years, the issues surrounding the complexity of pain management have contributed to increased demand for alternative strategies for treating pain. One such strategy is to expand use of topical pain medicationsâ€"medications applied to intact skin. This nonoral route of administration for pain medication has the potential benefit, in theory, of local activity and fewer systemic side effects. Compounding is an age-old pharmaceutical practice of combining, mixing, or adjusting ingredients to create a tailored medication to meet the needs of a patient. The aim of compounding, historically, has been to provide patients with access to therapeutic alternatives that are safe and effective, especially for people with clinical needs that cannot otherwise be met by commercially available FDA-approved drugs. Compounded Topical Pain Creams explores issues regarding the safety and effectiveness of the ingredients in these pain creams. This report analyzes the available scientific data relating to the ingredients used in compounded topical pain creams and offers recommendations regarding the treatment of patients.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 030967218X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 353
Book Description
Pain is both a symptom and a disease. It manifests in multiple forms and its treatment is complex. Physical, social, economic, and emotional consequences of pain can impair an individual's overall health, well-being, productivity, and relationships in myriad ways. The impact of pain at a population level is vast and, while estimates differ, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 50 million U.S. adults are living in pain. In terms of pain's global impact, estimates suggest the problem affects approximately 1 in 5 adults across the world, with nearly 1 in 10 adults newly diagnosed with chronic pain each year. In recent years, the issues surrounding the complexity of pain management have contributed to increased demand for alternative strategies for treating pain. One such strategy is to expand use of topical pain medicationsâ€"medications applied to intact skin. This nonoral route of administration for pain medication has the potential benefit, in theory, of local activity and fewer systemic side effects. Compounding is an age-old pharmaceutical practice of combining, mixing, or adjusting ingredients to create a tailored medication to meet the needs of a patient. The aim of compounding, historically, has been to provide patients with access to therapeutic alternatives that are safe and effective, especially for people with clinical needs that cannot otherwise be met by commercially available FDA-approved drugs. Compounded Topical Pain Creams explores issues regarding the safety and effectiveness of the ingredients in these pain creams. This report analyzes the available scientific data relating to the ingredients used in compounded topical pain creams and offers recommendations regarding the treatment of patients.
Marijuana As Medicine?
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309065313
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 216
Book Description
Some people suffer from chronic, debilitating disorders for which no conventional treatment brings relief. Can marijuana ease their symptoms? Would it be breaking the law to turn to marijuana as a medication? There are few sources of objective, scientifically sound advice for people in this situation. Most books about marijuana and medicine attempt to promote the views of advocates or opponents. To fill the gap between these extremes, authors Alison Mack and Janet Joy have extracted critical findings from a recent Institute of Medicine study on this important issue, interpreting them for a general audience. Marijuana As Medicine? provides patientsâ€"as well as the people who care for themâ€"with a foundation for making decisions about their own health care. This empowering volume examines several key points, including: Whether marijuana can relieve a variety of symptoms, including pain, muscle spasticity, nausea, and appetite loss. The dangers of smoking marijuana, as well as the effects of its active chemical components on the immune system and on psychological health. The potential use of marijuana-based medications on symptoms of AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and several other specific disorders, in comparison with existing treatments. Marijuana As Medicine? introduces readers to the active compounds in marijuana. These include the principal ingredient in Marinol, a legal medication. The authors also discuss the prospects for developing other drugs derived from marijuana's active ingredients. In addition to providing an up-to-date review of the science behind the medical marijuana debate, Mack and Joy also answer common questions about the legal status of marijuana, explaining the conflict between state and federal law regarding its medical use. Intended primarily as an aid to patients and caregivers, this book objectively presents critical information so that it can be used to make responsible health care decisions. Marijuana As Medicine? will also be a valuable resource for policymakers, health care providers, patient counselors, medical faculty and studentsâ€"in short, anyone who wants to learn more about this important issue.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309065313
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 216
Book Description
Some people suffer from chronic, debilitating disorders for which no conventional treatment brings relief. Can marijuana ease their symptoms? Would it be breaking the law to turn to marijuana as a medication? There are few sources of objective, scientifically sound advice for people in this situation. Most books about marijuana and medicine attempt to promote the views of advocates or opponents. To fill the gap between these extremes, authors Alison Mack and Janet Joy have extracted critical findings from a recent Institute of Medicine study on this important issue, interpreting them for a general audience. Marijuana As Medicine? provides patientsâ€"as well as the people who care for themâ€"with a foundation for making decisions about their own health care. This empowering volume examines several key points, including: Whether marijuana can relieve a variety of symptoms, including pain, muscle spasticity, nausea, and appetite loss. The dangers of smoking marijuana, as well as the effects of its active chemical components on the immune system and on psychological health. The potential use of marijuana-based medications on symptoms of AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and several other specific disorders, in comparison with existing treatments. Marijuana As Medicine? introduces readers to the active compounds in marijuana. These include the principal ingredient in Marinol, a legal medication. The authors also discuss the prospects for developing other drugs derived from marijuana's active ingredients. In addition to providing an up-to-date review of the science behind the medical marijuana debate, Mack and Joy also answer common questions about the legal status of marijuana, explaining the conflict between state and federal law regarding its medical use. Intended primarily as an aid to patients and caregivers, this book objectively presents critical information so that it can be used to make responsible health care decisions. Marijuana As Medicine? will also be a valuable resource for policymakers, health care providers, patient counselors, medical faculty and studentsâ€"in short, anyone who wants to learn more about this important issue.
The Kidney, An Issue of Physician Assistant Clinics, E-Book
Author: Kim Zuber
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
ISBN: 0323897355
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 229
Book Description
In this issue, guest editors bring their considerable expertise to this important topic.Provides in-depth reviews on the latest updates in the field, providing actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create these timely topic-based reviews.
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
ISBN: 0323897355
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 229
Book Description
In this issue, guest editors bring their considerable expertise to this important topic.Provides in-depth reviews on the latest updates in the field, providing actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create these timely topic-based reviews.
Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 030921646X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 217
Book Description
Advances in medical, biomedical and health services research have reduced the level of uncertainty in clinical practice. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) complement this progress by establishing standards of care backed by strong scientific evidence. CPGs are statements that include recommendations intended to optimize patient care. These statements are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and costs of alternative care options. Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust examines the current state of clinical practice guidelines and how they can be improved to enhance healthcare quality and patient outcomes. Clinical practice guidelines now are ubiquitous in our healthcare system. The Guidelines International Network (GIN) database currently lists more than 3,700 guidelines from 39 countries. Developing guidelines presents a number of challenges including lack of transparent methodological practices, difficulty reconciling conflicting guidelines, and conflicts of interest. Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust explores questions surrounding the quality of CPG development processes and the establishment of standards. It proposes eight standards for developing trustworthy clinical practice guidelines emphasizing transparency; management of conflict of interest ; systematic review-guideline development intersection; establishing evidence foundations for and rating strength of guideline recommendations; articulation of recommendations; external review; and updating. Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust shows how clinical practice guidelines can enhance clinician and patient decision-making by translating complex scientific research findings into recommendations for clinical practice that are relevant to the individual patient encounter, instead of implementing a one size fits all approach to patient care. This book contains information directly related to the work of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), as well as various Congressional staff and policymakers. It is a vital resource for medical specialty societies, disease advocacy groups, health professionals, private and international organizations that develop or use clinical practice guidelines, consumers, clinicians, and payers.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 030921646X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 217
Book Description
Advances in medical, biomedical and health services research have reduced the level of uncertainty in clinical practice. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) complement this progress by establishing standards of care backed by strong scientific evidence. CPGs are statements that include recommendations intended to optimize patient care. These statements are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and costs of alternative care options. Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust examines the current state of clinical practice guidelines and how they can be improved to enhance healthcare quality and patient outcomes. Clinical practice guidelines now are ubiquitous in our healthcare system. The Guidelines International Network (GIN) database currently lists more than 3,700 guidelines from 39 countries. Developing guidelines presents a number of challenges including lack of transparent methodological practices, difficulty reconciling conflicting guidelines, and conflicts of interest. Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust explores questions surrounding the quality of CPG development processes and the establishment of standards. It proposes eight standards for developing trustworthy clinical practice guidelines emphasizing transparency; management of conflict of interest ; systematic review-guideline development intersection; establishing evidence foundations for and rating strength of guideline recommendations; articulation of recommendations; external review; and updating. Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust shows how clinical practice guidelines can enhance clinician and patient decision-making by translating complex scientific research findings into recommendations for clinical practice that are relevant to the individual patient encounter, instead of implementing a one size fits all approach to patient care. This book contains information directly related to the work of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), as well as various Congressional staff and policymakers. It is a vital resource for medical specialty societies, disease advocacy groups, health professionals, private and international organizations that develop or use clinical practice guidelines, consumers, clinicians, and payers.