Best Practice Guidelines

RNAO has more than 50 BPGs covering nine categories: children and youth; clinical; equity, diversity and inclusion; foundational; health system; healthy work environment; mental health and substance use; older adults; and population health.

The BPGs are freely available and organized alphabetically below.

July 2014

The purposes of this best practice guideline (BPG) are to expand the awareness of abuse and neglect of older adults and to provide evidence-based recommendations for preventing and addressing abuse and neglect in all health-care settings across the continuum of care in Canada.

September 2017

This best practice guideline (BPG) focuses on the prevention of falls and fall injuries in all adults at risk for falls – including those living in the community – who are receiving care from nurses or other health-care providers. 

December 2020

This best practice guideline (BPG) focuses on bladder and bowel management in adults (aged 18 years and older).

March 2008

The guideline contains recommendations for registered nurses and registered practical nurses on best nursing practices in the area of paediatric asthma. It is intended for nurses who may not be experts in asthma care and who work in a variety of practice settings across the continuum of care.

February 2012

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide evidence-based recommendations for registered nurses (RNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) related to the care of individuals who are at risk for behaviours that may result in harm to self/others and lead to the possible use of restraints (physical, chemical, environmental). Unless otherwise indicated in the guideline, the discussion focus is on physical restraint. 

June 2022

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide nurses and the circle of care with evidence-based recommendations on culturally safe and meaningful ways to support smoking reduction and cessation with Indigenous Peoples of reproductive age, their support networks and communities to improve health and wellness.

March 2007

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to support nurses as they help people with diabetes reduce their risk of foot complications. 

September 2011

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to assist nurses who work in diverse practice settings to identify adults who are at risk of pressure ulcers. This guideline further provides direction to nurses in defining early interventions for pressure ulcer prevention, and to manage Stage I pressure ulcers.

Publication date
2002
Define early interventions for pressure ulcer prevention, and to manage Stage I pressure ulcers. This best practice guideline assists nurses who work in diverse practice settings to identify adults who are at risk of pressure ulcers. This guideline focuses its recommendations on: Practice Recommendations including assessment, planning, intervention and discharge/transfer of care Educational...
April 2019

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide nurses and the interprofessional team with evidence-based recommendations for the most effective strategies to support adults (18 years and older) who anticipate or live with an ostomy that will:

(a) promote self-management, 
(b) enhance access and delivery of care, and 
(c) lead to positive health outcomes.