What it means
Guidance that tells clinicians the best current way to prevent, diagnose or treat a condition, built from a careful review of the evidence. Professional groups and government agencies publish them, for example on high blood pressure, pressure injury prevention or sepsis. They support decisions but do not replace judgment about the individual client.
For the nurse
Facility policies and protocols are often based on clinical practice guidelines, and they are a key part of evidence-based practiceEV-ih-dens BAYST PRAK-tisCare that combines the best research findings with clinical experience and the client's own wishes.Full entry .
At a glance
| Also written | clinical practice guidelines |
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Related terms
evidence-based practice
Care that combines the best research findings with clinical experience and the client's own wishes.
American Heart Association
A US nonprofit group that funds heart and stroke research and publishes guidelines, including for CPR.
quality assurance
An organized way of checking that care meets set standards and of fixing problems when it does not.