What does "procedure" refer to in healthcare?

In the context of healthcare, "procedure" refers to a method or way of doing something, particularly as it pertains to patient care and treatment practices. Procedures outline specific steps that healthcare professionals are trained to follow when performing various tasks, such as administering medications, conducting assessments, or carrying out interventions. This consistency ensures that care is delivered safely and effectively, promoting best practices in patient treatment.

While options related to best practices, technologies, and legal requirements are important in the healthcare field, they do not encapsulate the direct meaning of "procedure." Instead, those alternatives focus on broader categories or specific aspects of care, whereas the definition of procedure zeroes in on the methodology in executing tasks within healthcare settings.