Best Practice Statements were developed in the Nursing and Practice Development Directorate at NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) and describe best and achievable practice in a specific area of care. 

The term “best practice” reflects the NHS Quality Improvement Scotland commitment to sharing local excellence at national level. The statements are underpinned by a number of key principles.

Key principles of Best Practice Statements

• They are intended to guide practice and promote a consistent, cohesive and achievable approach to care..
• They are primarily intended for use by registered nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, and the staff who support them.
• They are developed where variation in practice exists, and seek to establish an agreed approach for practitioners.
• Responsibility for implementation of these statements rests at local level.

Use of evidence in Best Practice Statements

The Best Practice Statement methodology has evolved over a period of time and these are now internationally recognised guidelines which target areas of care where the formal evidence base is not well developed and where a synthesis of patient opinion and professional consensus is accepted as determining best practice. Further comment on the use of evidence can be found by clicking on the ‘want to know more’ section.