Clinical Protocol [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Clinical Protocol ======

A **clinical [[protocol]]** is a structured, evidence-based plan that outlines the **procedures, steps, and decision-making criteria** for diagnosing, managing, or treating a specific medical condition.

===== 📌 Key Features =====

  * **Standardized**: Ensures consistency across clinicians and departments.
  * **Evidence-based**: Based on current clinical guidelines or studies.
  * **Step-by-step**: Defines clear diagnostic or therapeutic actions.
  * **Contextualized**: Adapted to the resources and workflow of the clinical setting.

===== 🧠 Purposes =====

  * Reduce variability in patient care.
  * Improve safety, outcomes, and efficiency.
  * Support onboarding and clinical training.
  * Serve as a reference in high-risk or urgent situations.

===== 📚 Examples =====

  * **Stroke protocol**: IV thrombolysis within 4.5 hours + thrombectomy criteria.
  * **DVT prophylaxis**: Enoxaparin dosing post-surgery with timing.
  * **Sepsis protocol**: Early antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and lactate targets.
  * **Perioperative steroids**: Tapering regimens for autoimmune patients.

===== ✅ Notes =====

  * Clinical protocols are often integrated into **electronic health records (EHRs)**.
  * They differ from **clinical guidelines**, which are broader and more flexible.
  * Protocols are usually developed by **institutional committees** or expert panels.