Protocol system
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In a healthcare setting, a protocol, also called a medical guideline, is a set of instructions which describe a process to be followed to investigate a particular set of findings in a patient or the method which should be followed to control a certain disease.
The main purpose of a computer-based protocol system is to provide a set of tools which allow health care providers access to current guidelines which they can apply in practice.[1] Studies have shown that protocols can aid in optimising patient care.[2] There are two types of protocol systems: passive and active.
Passive protocol systems
Passive protocol systems are a source of information which healthcare providers have the freedom to choose to consult or not, they are not intrinsically incorporated into the healthcare process. The purpose of a passive protocol system is to give healthcare providers access to information which may remind healthcare providers of steps during patient care which may otherwise be forgotten or changed.[1]
Active protocol systems
Active protocol systems are specific guidelines for healthcare providers to follow. They are a central way which healthcare is delivered. Examples of active protocol systems include trigger automated order-entry systems and appointment scheduling. Active protocol systems may provide an explanation function which offers background information, definitions and risks as well as the rationale that supported specific recommendations.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Coiera, E. (2003) Guide to Health Informatics. Great Britain: Hodder Education
- ^ Vissers, M.; Biert, J.; van der Liden, C.; Hasman, A. (1996). "Effects of a supportive protocol processing system (ProtoVIEW) on clinical behaviour of residents in the Accident and Emergency department". Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine. 49: 177–184. doi:10.1016/0169-2607(95)01714-3.