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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.