How to Address Protocols

Protocols refer to a set of instructions detailing various medical procedures, techniques and standards. They include information regarding patient care, medication administration, performing tests and treatment options. Health care facilities use protocols to provide employees with the information needed to perform their job duties. Nurses rely on protocols to determine the appropriate care and treatment of illness and injury. Protocols can be addressed in meetings, during new employee orientation or when changes occur.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain the use of protocols to staff to ensure they understand their importance. Individual protocols are used for each department. They provide detailed descriptions of duties performed within each department's scope of practice. The scope of practice refers to the treatments, procedures and duties performed by each position. For example, a nurse's scope of practice includes obtaining vital signs on each patient. The nurses' protocol will include instructions on how, when and why the nurse is required to obtain vital signs on their patients.

• 2

  Create protocol books that allow pages to be added or removed.

  Create a protocol book or manual for employees to keep and use as reference. Print each protocol page out and compile them into a bound book that can be handed out to employees at orientation. This allows staff to refer to the protocols at their convenience. It also offers the chance to refresh their memory regarding skills that are not commonly practiced. Changes in health care knowledge and techniques occur on a regular basis. Use binders that allow additional protocols to be added and obsolete protocols removed when creating the manual.

• 3

  Teach new employees protocols at the new hire orientation. This provides the opportunity for protocols to be addressed, explained and questions answered. Demonstrate techniques and procedures that may be unfamiliar to new hires when possible. Require employees to take a protocol exam to assure protocols are known and understood. Work with staff on an individual basis if difficulties learning the protocols occur.

• 4

  Hold individual meetings to assist those having difficulty learning the protocol.

  Hold meetings to discuss protocol updates and changes to assure all staff members are informed. Hand out copies of the updated or new protocols that employees can add to their protocol books. Make sure employees understand the new protocols. Advise staff when the new protocols are to be placed into effect and used. Demonstrate an example of the protocol changes if new techniques or procedures are to be used. Answer questions and concerns brought up by any employees to prevent confusion or problems.

• 5

  Update protocols when changes are required. Changes may be necessary for the facility to remain compliant with the standards and requirements accepted by the health department. Health care information changes on a regular basis and keeping protocols up to date with the changes in an important part of providing patients with the best care available. Some updates may require additional information to be included in current protocols while others may require new protocols to be written and placed into practice.