Reference sourcing
The Library can assist SVHM clients and departments in sourcing information resources for the creation, amendment and update of clinical hospital policies and procedures and guidelines. We can provide current, relevant resources through extensive literature searching in applicable databases, journals, web resources (government & industry) and book references.
Service will resume on 28th of April 2025
This is a reference sourcing service only: For assistance with the implementation, evaluation, and writing up current policies and guidelines please refer to the Open door -Melbourne Public Policies page (SVHM Intranet). For Library assistance with reference sourcing please contact: Anna Lovang (Research Librarian) anna.lovang@svha.org.au, or Library.svhmlibrary@svha.org.au
Ph. 9231 2541
Melbourne Public Open Door - Policies, Procedures & Guidelines site gives an overview on how to access, develop, review, (tracking sheet with an implementation plan) local polices, procedures and guidelines. (Intranet access)
Please access this toolkit by going through the Melbourne Public site - (My Hub), Tab at the top to the Policies and Procedures link - Select SVHM 
For further information and assistance regarding SVHM local policies please contact the policies team:
SVHMPolicyProcedureandPathways@svha.org.au
SharePoint-Open Door information - Policy Toolkit
The available toolkit offers pathways to access policies, how to write, review and implement a policy. It provides a contact list to specific policy areas to further assist SVHM staff in creating and keeping documents up to date.
"Purpose Policies, Procedures and Guidelines (PPGs) are an essential part of organisational governance as they support a consistent approach to contemporary practice, meet regulatory obligations and support quality and safety".
"The National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) (AU) specifies that health services should have current, comprehensive and effective policies, procedures and guidelines that support the mitigation of safety and quality risks."
Ex. Appendix A: Tips for writing and reviewing a clinical policy, procedure, guideline or tool
(SVHM Policy Toolkit)
Resources on General & Health Policy and Guideline writing and amendment
(Please see Australian and International general information resources on policy and guideline writing)
USE SVHM resources and templates as your first guide.
Australian & International resources
'Policies and Procedures in Healthcare',
Ausmed, . 2024, 'Policies and Procedures in Healthcare', ‘Policies and procedures’ is the first component of Patient Safety and Quality Systems, as outlined by the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards: Standard 1 Clinical Governance.
Information modules
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards Second edition – 2021, Standard 1 Clinical Governance
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care - NSQHS.
Working together to create better outcomes for all Australians - Policy Hub (Australian Government, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet & Australian Public Service Academy). General and broad overview of policy creation and writing. See modules.
DOs and DON’Ts of Policy Writing
(Nicola Heslip, PolicyMedical. Canada. 2012.) White Paper
Global & National health policy -nursing
ICN, International Council of Nurses. Publications and reports
Publications on policy, nursing guidelines and reports.
Feature articles
Development and Implementation of a Simple Wound Care Guideline for Minor Skin Lesions: A Quality Improvement Project
Bates, Alexandra Nicole; Ercolano, Elizabeth, Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing. Issue: Volume 48(4), July/August 2021, p 285-291. Full text
Let a Research Librarian assist you in sourcing references for your new or updated policy
Carl de Gruchy Library, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
+613 9231 2541 Anna.Lovang@svha.org.au