[A program to protocolize nursing care].
OBJECTIVE
To decrease variability in clinical practice and to standardise and develop a systematic care programusing nursing care protocols.


METHODS
The Directorate of Nursing of the Gregorio Marañón Hospital decided to develop a systematic program to produce nursing care protocols in 2004. It followed 5 phases: preparation, processing, dissemination, evaluation and updating. The program was based on the methodology for continuous improvement cycle (PDCA). Particular attention was paid to the evaluation phase, and to the three types of tools used: evaluation of the process and performance indicators and a survey on the perception of professionals.


RESULTS
A total of 30 protocols and 80 procedures were developed. They were evidence based, accessible, available for updating and with evaluation indicators.


CONCLUSIONS
Nursing care protocols decrease the variability of clinical practice. They homogenize care and increase the involvement of professionals. The evaluation of the process, outcomes and adherence of professionals is imperative for continuous improvement.
Olmedo Lucerón
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MC
Servicio de Medicina Preventiva y Gestión de Calidad, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España. maria.olmedo@salud.madrid.org
Sanchidrián de Blas
C
C
Plá Mestre
R
R
Puente González
M D
MD
Rodríguez Pérez
P
P
D006801:Humans; D009729:Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires