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What is protocol‐based care? A concept analysis
Author(s) -
ILOTT IRENE,
RICK JO,
PATTERSON MALCOLM,
TURGOOSE CHRISTINE,
LACEY ANNE
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2934.2006.00703.x
Subject(s) - protocol (science) , medicine , nursing , psychology , computer science , alternative medicine , pathology
Aim To define protocol‐based care to make this way of delivering health care amenable to theoretical and empirical studies. Background Although protocol‐based care is associated with the evidence‐based practice and standardization movements, it is an ill‐defined and understood concept. Method A multiphase concept analysis, inspired by an evolutionary view was used to clarify ‘what is protocol‐based care’. The inductive, five‐phase process drew upon content analysis of policy documents and the literature, plus interviews with a purposive sample of 35 opinion leaders. Results The term was used interchangeably with protocols, pathways and guide‐ lines in policy and guidance documents. A search of seven databases produced only 57 references to protocol‐based care. The concept analysis revealed a continuum of scope and specificity and also distinguished specialist and generic applications of protocol‐based care. Conclusions Managers need to take cognizance of the significance and complex‐ ity of protocol‐based care when introducing this way of working.