Best practices in emergency medicine: what we have to consider if we wish to get it right

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define best practice, while identifying the impediments to its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a commentary.

Findings

There is as of yet no accepted definition of best practice that has both face and construct validity.

Practical implications

Defining what best practice means for health systems around the world will require a collaborative approach, adapting recommendations to local culture and resources. Avoiding a silo approach that could result in unintended consequences and conflicting recommendations can only be achieved with a patient-centric approach. Holistic patient care with consideration of varying societies' needs as a whole is the only way to truly offer best practice recommendations. Emergency medicine needs to be a leader in stepping away from the silo approach and establishing what truly is best in patient care.

Originality/value

Practical application of concepts of best practice will be difficult. Of necessity they will vary from country to country and from one level of care to another.

Citation

Ducharme, J. (2013), "Best practices in emergency medicine: what we have to consider if we wish to get it right", Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 315-324. https://doi.org/10.1108/CGIJ-04-2012-0013