Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, Gwangmyeong, Korea
Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are critical for translating research into clinical practice; however, high-quality evidence alone does not ensure optimal care. The integration of patient values and preferences is essential for developing recommendations that are both relevant and applicable, yet many guidelines continue to underrepresent patient perspectives and lack transparent incorporation of preference research. This review delineates the distinction between values and preferences, examines their influence on preference-sensitive decisions, and evaluates methods for eliciting patient input, such as utility-based measurements, discrete-choice experiments, and qualitative studies. Systematic integration of this evidence through guideline development enhances both credibility and patient-centeredness. Persistent challenges include issues of representativeness, methodological uncertainty, and cultural barriers. Implementing practical strategies to address these challenges will improve transparency, relevance, and acceptance of clinical practice guidelines.
