====== Statement ======

A definite or clear [[expression]] of something in speech or writing.
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====== Difference Between Statement and Guideline ======

The **difference between a statement and a guideline** lies primarily in their **purpose, content, and application**:

===== Statement =====
A **statement** is a set of **principles or recommendations** intended to guide specific actions or reporting in a particular context.

  * **Purpose**: To provide a framework or standard for best practices in a specific area.
  * **Content**: Focuses on outlining key principles, often in the form of a checklist, for consistency, transparency, or quality assurance.
  * **Application**: Used as a reference for conducting or reporting work, ensuring compliance with established standards.

**Example**:  
  - The **STROBE Statement** provides a checklist for reporting observational studies in epidemiology. It ensures clarity and transparency in how studies are reported but does not dictate how the study itself should be conducted.

===== Guideline =====
A **guideline** is a detailed, often evidence-based document that provides **step-by-step instructions** or recommendations for conducting actions or making decisions.

  * **Purpose**: To offer comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for a specific process or problem.
  * **Content**: Includes background, rationale, methodology, best practices, and step-by-step instructions for implementation.
  * **Application**: Used to guide actions or decisions in practice, research, or policy-making.

**Example**:  
  - A clinical practice guideline for managing **degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM)** would include recommendations on when to choose anterior versus posterior approaches, preoperative evaluations, and postoperative care based on evidence.

===== Key Differences =====

^ **Feature**           ^ **Statement**                    ^ **Guideline**                    ^
| **Focus**             | Reporting or standards           | Practical actions or decisions   |
| **Scope**             | Framework for transparency       | Comprehensive recommendations    |
| **Content Type**      | Checklist or principles          | Detailed, evidence-based steps   |
| **Usage**             | Reporting or compliance          | Implementation in practice       |
| **Example**           | STROBE Statement for reporting observational studies | Guideline for DCM surgery |

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In summary:
  * **Statements** focus on how information is reported or presented.
  * **Guidelines** focus on how tasks are performed or decisions are made in practice.