Standard operating procedure
A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an
Some military services (e.g., in the U.S. and the UK) use the term standing operating procedure,[2] since a military SOP refers to a unit's unique procedures, which are not necessarily standard to another unit. The word "standard" could suggest that only one (standard) procedure is to be used across all units.[citation needed]
The term is sometimes used facetiously to refer to practices that are unconstructive, yet the norm. In the Philippines, for instance, "SOP" is the term for pervasive corruption within the government and its institutions.[3][4]
Clinical research and practice
In clinical research, the
SOPs can also provide employees with a reference to common business practices, activities, or tasks. New employees use an SOP to answer questions without having to interrupt supervisors to ask how an operation is performed. The international quality standard
Health safety and environment
Procedures are extensively employed to assist with working safely. They are sometimes called "safe work methods statements" (SWMS, pronounced as 'swims'). Their development is usually preceded by various methods of analyzing tasks or jobs to be performed in a workplace, including an approach called job safety analysis, in which hazards are identified and their control methods described. Procedures must be suited to the literacy levels of the user, so the readability of procedures is important.[7]
See also
- Best practice – Method or technique that has been generally accepted as superior
- Procedure – Document instructing workers
- Work method statement – document that gives specific instructions on how to safely perform a work related task, or operate a piece of plant or equipment
- Safe work procedure
- Checklist – Aide-memoire to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a task
- Runbook – Record of procedures for IT system staff
- Code of conduct – Set of rules
- GxP – Good practice guidelines and regulations
- Protocol
- Operations research – Discipline concerning the application of advanced analytical methods
- Quality control – Processes that maintain quality at a constant level
- Rules of engagement – Internal limits, authorizations and directives on use of force in combat
- Bureaucracy – Administrative system governing any large institution
References
- ^ “Standard operating procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard%20operating%20procedure. Accessed 15 Jun. 2023.
- ^ Nolen, Jeannette L. "standard operating procedure". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
- ISBN 9780824858902.
- ^ "Anticorruptiondigest.com". anticorruptiondigest.com.
- ^ "McMurdo Station Medical Standard Operating Procedures as of 2006/06" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04.
- ^ "Guidance on the Documentation Requirements of ISO 9001:2008". Archived from the original on 2011-10-15.
- .
External links
- ICH Guidance E6: Good clinical practice: Consolidated guideline
- European Medicines Agency Guideline for Good Clinical Practice