[How to evaluate nursing practices?].

Abstract

Assessment of clinical health care focuses on 'what is really done' in order to describe day-to-day practice. These data could be compared with standards or guidelines. The method used, the 'clinical audit', aims to improve the quality of care through specific actions. Finally, a second data collection could assess the efficacy of these actions. Many protocol designs could be used; they are illustrated by two examples in this article. The choice of protocols depends on the field and on the objectives of the work. Most of the time, assessment of clinical health care is included in a continuous quality improvement programme.