What is protocol-based care? A concept analysis.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.
Ilott
Irene
I
Institute of Work Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. irene.ilott@sheffield.ac.uk
Rick
Jo
J
Patterson
Malcolm
M
Turgoose
Christine
C
Lacey
Anne
A
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D019091:Critical Pathways; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012015:Reference Standards; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D006113:United Kingdom