How to Cite Protocols From a Hospital: A Comprehensive Guide
Citing hospital protocols correctly is crucial for academic integrity and ensuring the accuracy of your research. Whether you're a student, researcher, or healthcare professional, understanding the nuances of protocol citation is essential. This guide will walk you through the process, covering different citation styles and offering practical tips.
Understanding the Challenges of Citing Hospital Protocols
Hospital protocols are often internal documents, not formally published like journal articles or books. This lack of formal publication makes citation tricky. They aren't usually assigned DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) or readily accessible through standard databases. Moreover, protocols can be frequently updated, making version control critical.
Key Information for Accurate Citation
Before you begin, gather the following information:
- Protocol Title: The exact title of the hospital protocol.
- Hospital Name: The full name of the hospital or healthcare system that created the protocol.
- Department (if applicable): The specific department responsible for the protocol (e.g., Cardiology, Emergency Medicine).
- Version Number & Date: Crucial for ensuring you're citing the correct version. Include both the version number and the date it was last updated or revised.
- Author(s) (if known): If the protocol lists authors or a responsible committee, include this information. If not, you may only be able to cite the hospital itself.
- Date Accessed: The date you accessed the protocol, particularly important if the protocol is an internal, online document that may be updated.
Citation Styles: Examples
While there's no universally accepted style guide specifically for hospital protocols, you can adapt existing styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago. The key is to provide enough information for a reader to locate the protocol, if possible.
Example using a modified APA style:
Hospital Name. (Year, Month Day). Protocol Title (Version Number). [Internal document]. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from [Location if accessible online – e.g., internal hospital network].
Example with the above information filled in:
City General Hospital. (2023, October 26). Treatment Protocol for Acute Myocardial Infarction (Version 3.0). [Internal document]. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from [Intranet Link/Hospital Network].
Example using a modified MLA style:
Hospital Name. Protocol Title. Version Number. Department, if applicable. Date. [Internal document].
Example with the above information filled in:
City General Hospital. Treatment Protocol for Acute Myocardial Infarction. Version 3.0. Cardiology Department. October 26, 2023. [Internal document].
Handling Variations and Uncertainties
- Protocols with no authors: If the author is unknown, cite the hospital or department as the author.
- Unclear version numbers: If the version number is unavailable, state "latest version" or "version unavailable" to be transparent.
- Inability to Access: If the protocol is inaccessible to the public, indicate this clearly and explain why it was used in your research.
- Permission to Cite: If you are unsure whether you can cite the protocol, contact the hospital's administration or the relevant department to obtain permission. This is especially important for sensitive information.
Tips for Better Citation
- Maintain a consistent style: Choose a citation style and stick to it throughout your work.
- Keep detailed records: Document all relevant information about the protocols you cite at the time of access.
- Seek guidance: If you are unsure about the best way to cite a hospital protocol, consult with a librarian or your institution's writing center.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the accurate and ethical citation of hospital protocols in your research and writing. Remember that transparency and accuracy are key to maintaining academic integrity and credibility.
