Clinical Guidelines and Care Protocols

The book begins by placing clinical guidelines within the context of the broader movement towards evidence based practice; it explores the concept of evidence, and defines clinical guidelines and care protocols. These are then examined in the clinical situation. The book goes on to discuss the relationship between them and the exercise of individual autonomy and expertise, and with individualised care and patient involvement and choice.

The influence of cost on decision making is reviewed, and a chapter discusses the political aspects of care guidelines and protocols. Finally the book describes the implementation of guidelines and protocols and the barriers to implementation, and makes suggestions for the future.

List of Abbreviations.

1. Evidence-based Practice, Clinical Guidelines and Care protocols.

2. Evidence.

3. Clinical Guidelines.

4. Care Protocols.

5. Developing Clinical Guidelines and Care Protocols.

6. Using Clinical Guidelines and Care Protocols.

7. Implementing Guidance.

8. Expertise and Autonomy.

9. Patient Choice.

10. Finite Resources, Infinite Demand.

11. Politics, Power, Guidelines and Protocols.

12. Best Practice: Where Do We Go from Here?

References.

Index.

Jacqui Hewitt-Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Bournemouth University, UK Clinical Guidelines and Care Protocols

Jacquelina Hewitt-Taylor

This logical and comprehensive book begins by placing clinical guidelines within the context of the broader movement towards evidence-based practice. It explores the concept of evidence, and defines clinical guidelines and care protocols which are then examined in the clinical situation. Importance is placed on the relationship between clinical guidelines and care protocols with the exercise of individual autonomy and expertise, and with individualised care and patient involvement and choice. The influence of cost on decision-making is reviewed, as is political aspects. The implementation of guidelines and protocols and the barriers to implementation are discussed with suggestions for the future.

With research integrated throughout, this very timely book meets the need for nurses to analyse and create new protocols.