Policy Review

1310 Words3 Pages

Introduction
A policy is defined as a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions (Miriam Webster, para. 1). Policies are used in acute settings as operational tools that give support and direction to staff, patients and the public (Collins & Patel, 2009, p.42). In nursing practice, it is important to understand these different policies as they influence our nursing practice every day. Ballarat Health Services (2011) developed a policy to provide a guideline on storage, transport and checking procedures for expressed breast milk in the scope of maternity and pediatric units (p.1). In the following paper a critique of the policy will be conducted through examination of the levels and kinds of evidence used to support the policy, a review of research written in accordance with the Breast Milk policy from the year it was written and an analysis of the overall usefulness of the policy.
Support of Evidence
The policy is presented in a descriptive procedure, in which the authors outlined the essential steps from labelling the container to transporting and thawing the milk. Although the policy does include a reference list containing about ten references, none are cited or paraphrased individually in the document. The policy does not appear to be evidence based to the readers simply because it does not cite any sources to support the procedure outlined in the document. This policy would greatly benefit by providing in text citation to support the procedure it outlines.
The references used are ones that are other policies or procedures from other outside sources, including government official webpages. Taking a look at the refer...

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.... (2010). Maternity –breast milk: safe management (Report No. PD2010_019). Sydney, Australia: NSW Health. Retrieved December 2, 2013, from http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2010/pdf/PD2010_019.pdf
Olowe, S. A., Ahmed, I., Lawal, S. F., Ransome-Kuti, S. (1987). Bacteriological quality of raw human milk: effect of storage in a refrigerator. Annals of Tropical Paediatrics, 7(4), 233-237. Retrieved from http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/2449844/reload=0;jsessionid=fqrxwgkMoHG1MUPMgzpm.38
Slutzah, M., Codpilly, N. C., Potak, D., Clark, M. R., Schanler, J. R. (2011). Refrigerator storage of expressed human milk in the neonatal intensive care unit. The Journal of Pediatrics, 156(1), 26-28. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.07.023
US Legal Definitions. (2013). Retrieved December 1, 2013, from http://definitions.uslegal.com/c/centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-cdc/

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