From my understanding the policy document is a part of the policy
process, and within it is identifies what policy impacts should be
implemented, these are often national or local policy output documents,
i.e. what should be done and by when it should be done.
A guideline is generated to indicate what the policy impact should be,
in terms of quality and responsibility to facilitate the implementation
of the policy impact, i.e. what should be done and how it could be done.
A protocol is specific and will be the tool that informs the street
level service delivery, i.e. who does what and where, and who take
responsibility
but then maybe I am wrong!
In message <[log in to unmask]>,
Christina Maslen <[log in to unmask]> writes
>Can anyone tell me how to distinguish between a guideline, a protocol and a
>policy? These terms are often used interchangeably (even within the same
>article) and I have clinicians here who want to know what kind of beast
>they are developing! Apart from a general understanding that a protocol is
>more prescriptive about procedures/processes and guidelines are meant to be
>more general and flexible and cover clinical conditions...... but where
>does a policy fit in?
>Hope you can help
>Christina Maslen
>Clinical Effectiveness Facilitator
>RNHRD NHS Trust
E. Karen Rosenbloom Pharmacist
Senior lecturer Derby University.
21 Brook Road Loughton Essex IG10 1BW
telephone 020 8508 3011
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