A definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing.

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

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:

1. 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.

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:

1. 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.

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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.