ABSTRACT
These two processes are inextricably linked. When introducing a new guideline, the role of clinical leaders is vital to the success or failure of clinical guidelines. This underlines the importance of the points made earlier about involving the appropriate people in the process of guideline development. If a respected clinical leader is not involved, or is uncomfortable with the guideline as developed, it is unlikely that it will be implemented successfully as it will be undermined from the outset. For this reason, the person who leads a guideline development group may not be the person who wishes to drive the process, but their role as a figurehead requires them to be seen as the lead.
