Clinical Guidelines and Care Protocols

The book begins by placing clinical guidelines within the contextof the broader movement towards evidence based practice; itexplores the concept of evidence, and defines clinical guidelinesand care protocols. These are then examined in the clinicalsituation. The book goes on to discuss the relationship betweenthem and the exercise of individual autonomy and expertise, andwith individualised care and patient involvement and choice. The influence of cost on decision making is reviewed, and achapter discusses the political aspects of care guidelines andprotocols. Finally the book describes the implementation ofguidelines and protocols and the barriers to implementation, andmakes suggestions for the future.