Clinical management protocols: the bedside answer to clinical practice guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
Clinical Management Protocols for trauma patients.


OBJECTIVE
The goals and process for developing and implementing Clinical Management Protocols are presented. Protocol development and the differences between clinical practice guidelines, critical pathways, and clinical management protocols are discussed.


METHODS
Published literature, experience, and clinical expertise.


CONCLUSIONS
Utilizing annotated algorithms, the protocols are designed for and driven by patient care based on patient need and require the collaboration of experts and trauma team members.
Fuss
M A
MA
Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, Allentown, PA, USA.
Pasquale
M D
MD
D000465:Algorithms; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D019091:Critical Pathways; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011367:Professional Staff Committees