TY - JOUR T1 - I just want the protocol, doctor! JF - Quality and Safety in Health Care JO - Qual Saf Health Care SP - 155 LP - 155 DO - 10.1136/qshc.2005.013953 VL - 14 IS - 3 AU - E McColl Y1 - 2005/06/01 UR - http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/14/3/155.abstract N2 - It may not be easy for patients to insist on treatment as part of a guideline protocol Some years ago I was diagnosed with chronic open angle glaucoma. Initial treatment involved laser therapy with a daily regimen of eye drops since then. At this year’s review visit I was told that my intraocular pressure was once again raised and that other treatment options, including surgery and/or long term treatment with drugs with unpleasant side effects, might be required. As an informed consumer of health care and an advocate of evidence based medicine, I decided to search for guidelines and protocols on the management of my condition. A search of the NICE website (www.nice.org.uk) found nothing of relevance. However, a visit to the National Guidelines Clearing House (www.guidelines.gov) soon led me to the American Optometric Association’s clinical practice guideline on the care of the patient with open angle glaucoma.1 I was … ER -