Clinical Guidelines and Care Protocols

The book begins by placing clinical guidelines within the context
of the broader movement towards evidence based practice; it
explores the concept of evidence, and defines clinical guidelines
and care protocols. These are then examined in the clinical
situation. The book goes on to discuss the relationship between
them and the exercise of individual autonomy and expertise, and
with individualised care and patient involvement and choice.

The influence of cost on decision making is reviewed, and a
chapter discusses the political aspects of care guidelines and
protocols. Finally the book describes the implementation of
guidelines and protocols and the barriers to implementation, and
makes suggestions for the future.