[The use of protocols in a neurological department].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the use of protocols in a neurological department.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam.


METHODS
Protocols were drafted by residents and staff members, criticised in protocol meetings and amended if necessary. During 6 months it was ascertained in each newly admitted patient (n = 317), whether a protocol was available, whether it was used and if not, why not.


RESULTS
During the period before the introduction of the protocol for brain infarction and TIA (the largest category), protocols were available for 20% of the patients and used in 61% of those patients. After introduction of the brain infarction/TIA protocol, these percentages rose to 46 and 82, respectively. Protocols were not used if doctors were not aware of them or forgot to use them or if they were not applicable to individual patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Writing and implementing protocols are feasible in neurological departments.
Weststrate
W
W
Academisch Medisch Centrum, afd. Neurologie, Amsterdam.
Portegies
P
P
van Crevel
H
H
D000465:Algorithms; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009426:Netherlands; D011446:Prospective Studies
Het gebruik van protocollen op een neurologische afdeling.