A document that describes a planned series of actions intended to achieve a specific goal. It usually refers to a longer term, e.g. a three to five year period.
2
Policy
A policy is a general set of ideas or principle of action in a particular field, which should be based on evidence, legislation, best practice and statute and incorporate any standards laid down by recognised professional bodies or other national or NHS institutions where such are available.
In general terms, a policy explains what we will do and why we will do it.
A policy once implemented is mandatory for all staff and failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
3
Clinical Procedure
A clinical procedure is a document that sets outs the steps in detail of a specific clinical procedure.
4
Protocol
A protocol is a document laying down in precise detail the tests/steps that must be performed in prescribed circumstances. Protocols should therefore be developed with caution; being more inflexible in nature, exact compliance with the details may be tested should examination in a legal context become necessary.
5
Clinical Guidelines
Clinical guidelines are systematically developed statements, based on a thorough evaluation of the evidence, to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances, across the entire clinical spectrum. As the name implies, guidelines are suggested principles, which are set down to help determine a course of action. They assist the practitioner to decide on a course of action. It should be noted that clinical guidelines do not replace professional judgment and discretion
6
Clinical Treatment Pathway
A Clinical Treatment Pathway is a simple flow chart with each step of the patient journey mapped out. These are created to reflect national recommendations and bring together local policies, procedures, patient information and contact information. These are provided electronically on-line for Worcestershire health economy to access.
7
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
SOPs are detailed written instructions used to document and achieve uniformity on the performance of a specific function or process. These should only contain minimal clinical information i.e. how to book transfers for patients, where to store equipment etc. If more clinical information is included, consider whether this should be either a clinical guideline or a clinical procedure.
8
Clinical Patient Information Leaflets
Patient information leaflets are leaflets containing specific information about medical conditions, procedures and treatments. These should include risks and benefits of the procedures and treatments, supporting the consent process.
9
National Guidelines
Nationally produced clinical guidelines. As the name implies, guidelines are suggested principles, which are set down to help determine a course of action. They assist the practitioner to decide on a course of action but need neither to be automatically nor rigorously applied. It should be noted that clinical guidelines do not replace professional judgment and discretion.
10
Care Pathway
A care pathway is anticipated care placed in an appropriate time frame, written and agreed by a multidisciplinary team. It has locally agreed standards based on evidence where available to help a patient with a specific condition or diagnosis move progressively through the clinical experience. It forms part or all of the clinical record, documenting the care given. It facilitates and demonstrates continuous quality improvement. It includes patient milestones and clinical interventions noted on the day or stage that they are expected to occur.
