The Encyclopedia of Case Study Research, edited by A. Mills, G. Durepos, E. Wiebe, and Michael P. Pagano, discusses healthcare practice guidelines, which are designed to standardize patient care and treatment decisions. These guidelines are based on clinical research, data, and objective analysis, aiming to improve healthcare quality by standardizing treatment, maximizing patient safety, and enhancing cost-effectiveness. They rely on evidence-based medicine, which was developed in the 1990s to shift clinical decision-making from individual provider judgment to standardized practices based on research and data. Over the past three decades, the number of healthcare practice guidelines has increased significantly, with over 2,300 guidelines in existence in 2008. However, critics argue that the proliferation of guidelines may lead to standardized practices that compromise the quality of care. Some providers reject guidelines due to concerns about their development being driven by economic and administrative interests rather than healthcare. Others feel that guidelines reduce their professional autonomy. Researchers suggest using theoretical frameworks, such as the theory of planned behavior, to enhance the acceptance and implementation of guidelines. Case studies are valuable in evaluating the effectiveness of guidelines and understanding provider behaviors. For example, a cancer pain management study used case studies to refine pain management policies and develop more holistic clinical guidelines. Healthcare practice guidelines aim to reduce variability in care by providing standardized treatment based on the latest research. However, concerns remain about the potential over-standardization of care. Case studies can help assess how guidelines are implemented and their impact on patient outcomes. The use of case studies in guideline development and evaluation is an important tool for improving healthcare practices.The Encyclopedia of Case Study Research, edited by A. Mills, G. Durepos, E. Wiebe, and Michael P. Pagano, discusses healthcare practice guidelines, which are designed to standardize patient care and treatment decisions. These guidelines are based on clinical research, data, and objective analysis, aiming to improve healthcare quality by standardizing treatment, maximizing patient safety, and enhancing cost-effectiveness. They rely on evidence-based medicine, which was developed in the 1990s to shift clinical decision-making from individual provider judgment to standardized practices based on research and data. Over the past three decades, the number of healthcare practice guidelines has increased significantly, with over 2,300 guidelines in existence in 2008. However, critics argue that the proliferation of guidelines may lead to standardized practices that compromise the quality of care. Some providers reject guidelines due to concerns about their development being driven by economic and administrative interests rather than healthcare. Others feel that guidelines reduce their professional autonomy. Researchers suggest using theoretical frameworks, such as the theory of planned behavior, to enhance the acceptance and implementation of guidelines. Case studies are valuable in evaluating the effectiveness of guidelines and understanding provider behaviors. For example, a cancer pain management study used case studies to refine pain management policies and develop more holistic clinical guidelines. Healthcare practice guidelines aim to reduce variability in care by providing standardized treatment based on the latest research. However, concerns remain about the potential over-standardization of care. Case studies can help assess how guidelines are implemented and their impact on patient outcomes. The use of case studies in guideline development and evaluation is an important tool for improving healthcare practices.