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The NCEC Standards for Clinical Practice Guidance were originally published in 2015 with the aim of providing standards for healthcare staff developing evidence-based clinical practice guidance for health care. Clinical practice guidance is systematically developed statements or processes that assist clinician and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances. Such clinical guidance includes clinical policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines. Care pathways, clinical decision aids/tools, care bundles, flowcharts, checklists and algorithms can form components of policies, procedures, protocols or guidelines.

Version 2 of the Standards were published in May 2025 and aim to continue to support healthcare professionals in the development of high quality, up-to-date, evidence-based clinical policies, procedures and guidelines that guide clinical decision-making and achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. The updated standards were developed following review of the international literature, targeted stakeholder consultation, and establishment of an expert advisory group.

The updates reflect a broader emphasis on inclusivity, transparency, and methodological rigor, adapting to evolving healthcare standards and needs. Version 2 of the Standards add health equity as a core component, addressing the importance of considering underrepresented groups during Clinical Practice Guidance development, particularly for complex Clinical Practice Guidance.

Available Versions of this Item

• Standards for clinical practice guidance. (deposited 15 Aug 2018 10:03)
  • Standards for clinical practice guidance. (deposited 15 May 2025 14:06) [Currently Displayed]