Clinical practice guidelines from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) are built upon thorough and systematic reviews of the most current research available at the time of their publication. These guidelines are provided solely for informational purposes and are not intended as medical advice. They should not be used as a substitute for professional medical judgment. It is important to recognize that these guidelines may not be exhaustive or completely up-to-date, as new studies could have emerged after the publication date or during the later stages of the SCCM guideline development. Consequently, these guidelines represent the best understanding of the subject matter at their time of release.
SCCM strongly advises medical professionals to utilize this information to support, rather than replace, their own clinical expertise. The recommendations within these guidelines may not be suitable for every situation. Medical professionals must apply these guidelines considering the unique circumstances of each patient and the clinical context. Users of these guidelines are encouraged to seek out the most recent information that could influence the diagnostic and treatment strategies presented in the guidelines. This proactive approach ensures the application of the most effective and current practices in critical care.
SCCM and its officers, council, board of regents, members, and employees (collectively referred to as “the SCCM Parties”) explicitly disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or comprehensiveness of these guidelines. Furthermore, the SCCM Parties disclaim all warranties, whether express or implied, related to the guidelines. The SCCM Parties are not liable for any damages, including direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages, arising from the use, inability to use, or outcomes of these guidelines, any referenced materials within the guidelines, or the content, information, or procedures detailed within a guideline. This disclaimer applies regardless of the legal theory under which such claims may be brought, and whether or not advice regarding the potential for such damages was provided.
