title: Protocols: guidance for good practice.
abstract: The use of standardised protocols in patient care is becoming widespread. They offer a positive adjunct to nurses, but can be misused by managers to effect changes in staffing skill mix. This article offers guidance for nurses on the essential criteria a protocol must achieve before being considered acceptable.
mesh_terms: D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards*; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000592:standards*; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D006113:United Kingdom