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 guidelines 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 complexity of protocol-based care when introducing this way of working.
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 guidelines 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 complexity of protocol-based care when introducing this way of working.
Authors: Margot C W Joosen; Karlijn M van Beurden; David S Rebergen; Monique A J M Loo; Berend Terluin; Jaap van Weeghel; Jac J L van der Klink; Evelien P M Brouwers Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2019-05-03 Impact factor: 2.655