Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Practice guidelines and measurement: state-of-the-science
1Columbia University, New York City, New York 10032, USA. pcd27@columbia.edu
Background:
Restructuring of the health care system has exposed widespread evidence of practice variability and has highlighted the benefits associated with nurses embracing interdisciplinary, best practice solutions to health care delivery. Clinical practice guidelines have emerged as a valuable interdisciplinary evidenced-based tool.
Purpose:
This article explores the state of the science of guideline measurement and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of measurement approaches.
Method:
A computerized search of Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, Medline, and PubMed for the search term "practice guidelines" was combined with the following key words: attitudes, adherence, effect, impact, instrument, and measurement.
Discussion:
Measurement issues identified in this analysis are related to the manner in which guidelines are written and the lack of a standard methodology for measurement.
Conclusions:
The challenge remains to establish sound measures of adherence and impact while controlling for confounding variables. Questions remain as to the format of practice guidelines to best grant autonomy while offering recommendations that are clear and measurable.
Related Concept Videos
Accuracy and Precision
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation I
Factual:
The following points emphasize the significance of upholding accurate and unbiased documentation in healthcare.
The Scientific Method in Nursing Process
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be safely...

