Getting guidelines into practice - a literature review.

Richen, Y. and Garrett, E. and Rycroft-Malone, J. and Morrell, C. (2004) Getting guidelines into practice - a literature review. Nursing Standard, 18 (50). pp. 33-40. ISSN 0029-6570

Abstract

Background Clinical guidelines have the potential to ensure that a research knowledge base underpins practice. Their development nationally and locally has increased dramatically in recent years. The challenge lies in implementing them. This literature review of guideline implementation was conducted to inform the development of implementation strategies for the Royal College of Nursing national clinical guidelines. Conclusion The evidence base for guideline implementation is still developing and many ideas and strategies require further testing. Although strategies can be developed around some core principles, as yet there is no single definitive strategy. This selective literature review offers some insight into successful implementation strategies.