Adopting an Evidence-based practice
Where appropriate the latest evidence base for physical activity related to a specific pathway should be implemented.
For example we used the NICE Guidelines for Diabetes in pregnancy in the maternity pathway. In this NICE guidance it states that women with gestational diabetes should be advised to take regular exercise (such as walking for 30 minutes after a meal) to improve blood glucose control(1).
NICE quality standards set out the way care should be provided, these will increasingly be used to hold departments and organisations to account. These standards are helpful when evaluating and benchmarking existing practice, designing and implementing local guidelines and protocols. Furthermore, they can be helpful to influence commissioners.
When working with departmental teams, it is the role of the pathway lead to contribute and ensure that the latest evidence surrounding the standards of care specific to physical activity are included. Next steps are to ensure this standard is within local existing department guidelines. Subsequent audit can assess whether these standards are being met.
Reference:
- Walker JD. NICE guidance on diabetes in pregnancy: management of diabetes and its complications from preconception to the postnatal period. NICE clinical guideline 63. London, March 2008. Diabet Med. 2008;25(9):1025-7.