A bottom-up framework for nurses' protocol-based care decision-making

Aim: To develop a conceptual framework for nurses' protocol-based care decision-making. Design: Miles & Huberman's bottom-up approach to developing conceptual frameworks was followed, using data collected from a multiple embedded case study examining protocol-based decision-making by nurses in three hospital wards within a university hospital in northern Spain. Methods: The qualitative data from the case study, obtained through documentary analysis, observations, and interviews, underwent a secondary analysis consisting of four steps: data reduction, data display, comparison, and drawing conclusions. Results: The framework for protocol-based care decision-making comprises four components: (1) protocol-based care, as a balance between standardisation and individualised care, (2) the process, (3) the context, and (4) the elements of protocol-based care decision-making. These components and their relationship as a context-dependent, linear, variable and multifactorial process, directly influenced by the perception of risk, are described and illustrated. Conclusions: This study provides a rigorous bottom-up framework for nurses' protocol-based care decision-making. The framework could be a valuable resource for managers, clinical nurses, educators, and researchers to guide and evaluate nurses' decision-making, leading to improved care quality and reduced variability in clinical practice. Furthermore, the framework lays a foundation for further research and practical applications. Impact: This study addressed the problem of understanding nurses' protocol-based care decision-making and the need for a specific conceptual framework. The main findings of the study contribute to the development of a rigorous bottom-up framework comprising four components of protocol-based care decision-making. The framework has the potential to improve care quality, reduce variability, enhance patient safety, and increase healthcare efficiency by guiding nurses' decision-making in various healthcare settings. No Patient or Public Contribution: Patient or public contribution was not applicable since the study focused on nurses' decision making.