POLICY CRITIQUE

Nursing Entry to Practice Programme

September 2014

Why?

• To demonstrate your ability to select & review relevant literature

• To demonstrate your ability to link evidence based research throughout the critique of the policy

• To engage with the quality improvement process

Nursing Knowledge…

• Knowledge is never absolute

• Always based on best available evidence

• Used to inform best practice

• Should always be something that is aimed towards

• Research = generation of new knowledge

• From the middle French word cerchier, with the prefix re-, signifies a re-occurring event

• ‘to search closely’

Definitions

Evidence Based Practice: “systematic research that isrigorous and well designed. The findings have beensupported in a series of studies”

Best Practice: “using the most recent, relevant andhelpful interventions based on research, in real lifepractice/infusing day to day practice with research”

Critical Reflection

Clinical Reasoning

“Clinical reasoning is a process whereby knowledge,scientific information and experience are used inconsidering multiple possibilities to achieve desiredgoals whilst considering the patient situation. Criticalthinking is inherent in making sound clinicalreasoning”

Benner, Hughes & Sutphen, 2008

• Policy: “…mandatory written directive that reflects the organisation’s values and defines its position on a given subject”

• Procedure: “…mandatory set of instructions that may be associated with a policy”

• Protocol: “…mandatory set of decision-making rules based on best practice

• Guidelines: “…statement of recommended practice for use in specific circumstances. Staff are advised to follow guidelines but compliance is not mandatory”

Capital Coast Health Board, 2007 pg. 2 &3. Policy, procedure, protocol or guideline documents.

Critical Thinking

Where do I start?

• Due 16th February

• Discuss

• Identify gaps in own knowledge

• Identify gaps between practice and policy

What do I do??

How do I do it?

What do I get for it?

I need to do what??

Critiquing your chosen policy

What is the relationship like between academic literatureand policy content?

What is the relationship between clinical practice andpolicy adherence?

When was it last updated?

What do international guidelines look like?

Recommendations

• Synthesis of policy content, policy in practice & academic literature generates recommendations

• Are they reasonable?

• Do they flow on from your critique?

What makes a good reference?

• Quality

• Relevance

• Timeframe

• APA latest edition

• We do check!

Don’t forget…

• Make sure you are using the most current policy

• Consider paper vs online policies

• Utilise the library services for up-to-date literature

• Confidentiality

• Professionalism