STGs summarise recommended treatments for commonly occurring conditions. They should represent a consensus on what is regarded as the most appropriate treatment for each condition. The aim of providing such information is that treatments become standardised throughout a health system and that prescribing for the conditions covered is rationalised.

Widespread adoption and application of standardised treatments also make it possible to use these, together with morbidity and patient attendance data, as a basis for quantification of drug requirements.

STGs are useful to prescribers as ready reference texts for consultation during the course of daily clinical work and also as resource materials for basic and in-service prescriber training.