Policies A protocol is a precise and detailed plan for a regimen of therapy, whereas a policy is an institutional or departmental strategy which determines what treatments are available and guides the development and utilization of protocols. Resource materials developed in individual hospitals usually take the form of protocols and policies. They are, in many cases, created within the isolation of individual institutions to fit their specific requirements and lack the scientific rigour associated with international, peer-reviewed publication. The use of protocols ensures that patients are treated systematically and prevents repetition of mistakes that have been made by others. In addition, aspects of pain management that are often not covered by protocols could be enhanced.
Protocols are most commonly in place for pharmacological interventions.
However, there is no reason why protocols should not be used for other situations such as non-pharmacological interventions, patient education, and measurement of pain. Protocols are usually tailored by age and vary with the resources that are available. Similarly, a different approach to epidural analgesia is required if anesthesiologists are on site all the time compared to a situation in which there is no night-time coverage. Moreover, different drugs are available in different countries. Although individualization is important, the teams preparing such protocols and policies must struggle with the lack of peer review and from the lack of other comparable policies to use as support or guidance.