The use of standardised protocols in patient care is becoming widespread. They offer a posit he adjunct to nurses, but can be misused by managers to effect changes in staffing skill mix. This article offers guidance for nurses on the essential criteria a protocol must achieve before being considered acceptable

A protocol can be described as an agreement to a particular sequence of activities that assist health care workers to respond consistently in complex areas of clinical practice. Protocols may be established on a unidisciplinary or multidisciplinary basis. It appears that the use of protocols is becoming more widespread for a variety of reasons, including pressure on resources.