What is one of the outcomes expected from following clinical practice guidelines?

Following clinical practice guidelines is designed to standardize care and ensure that patients receive evidence-based practices consistently, which leads to enhanced patient care consistency. These guidelines are developed based on the best available research and clinical expertise, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce variability in treatment approaches among healthcare providers.

When healthcare providers adhere to established guidelines, patients can expect a more uniform quality of care, which is vital for effective treatment and improved health outcomes. This consistency helps ensure that all patients receive the same standard of care regardless of where they are treated, thus minimizing the risk of error or neglect associated with varied practices.

In contrast, the other options—such as increased healthcare costs, more paperwork, or greater patient dissatisfaction—are generally not outcomes associated with following clinical practice guidelines. In fact, implementing these guidelines is anticipated to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs and administrative burdens while striving to enhance patient satisfaction through improved quality of care.