Exploring the definition and methodology of “best practice” in the health care literature: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Objective: This review will map and define the terminology used in the literature for “best practice” as well as its underpinning framework/methodology. Introduction: Numerous international organizations and institutions have sought to develop models or frameworks to guide health care providers to integrate the best evidence into clinical practice. However, different concepts related to best practice have been used, both in the biomedical literature and by public institutions, leading to a lack of consistency in definitions of the term. This poses a potential difficulty for clinical professionals in applying evidence effectively to achieve desired patient outcomes. Inclusion criteria: This review will adopt the following inclusion criteria: (i) the study must contain a definition of the term “best practice” or its related concepts; (ii) the concept of best practice must refer to clinical activities and not have organizational features; and (iii) any study design can be included. Studies will be excluded if they describe a definition of best practice that is not directly related to clinical practice (eg, business). Methods: The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. An initial search of MEDLINE identified keywords and MeSH terms. Then, MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Google Scholar will be searched from 2001 until the present, the year in which the first definition of best practice appeared in the literature. Four pairs of reviewers will independently select studies and perform data extraction and data synthesis. Data will be presented in figures or tables, accompanied by a narrative summary. Searches will be limited to articles in English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish. Review registration number: OSF: https://osf.io/52vxe/

Evidence-Based Practice

“…Evidence-based practice involves the review, analysis, and translation of the most current scientific evidence into nursing practice, while also incorporating clinician expertise and patient preferences into care delivery 1. The term “best practice” is often used interchangeably with EBP; this is understandable, as they are related, although not identical terms.…”

“…Evidence-based practice involves the review, analysis, and translation of the most current scientific evidence into nursing practice, while also incorporating clinician expertise and patient preferences into care delivery. 1 The term "best practice" is often used interchangeably with EBP; this is understandable, as they are related, although not identical terms. Best practice represents a standard that has been deemed optimal by a prevailing standard or point of view, typically from a group of experts in a field or by an agency, 2 whereas EBP is a process used when there may not be a clear best practice standard available.…”