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WHAT IS MANUAL, SOP, GUIDELINE, PROGRAMME, POLICY, PROCEDURE

AND PLAN
By Dr.Mahboob ali khan Phd

Manual-is a Comprehensive and step-by-step guide to a particular topic for

both beginners and practitioners that also serves as a reference book. A manual
details what is given and what is required, explains how to put the
presented information into practice, and instructs how to solve problems as they
occur. This term is commonly used interchangeably with handbook.

SOP-Every Medical Facility Tries To Provide Best Possible Services To Its

Customers. Standard Operating Procedures (Sop) Of Various Departments
Together Constitute A Hospital Manual Which Significantly Determines The
Performance Of A Hospital In Practical Terms. Thus, Every Hospital Must
Prepare Sop In A Way That It Ensures Consistency In Working Of Varied
Departments On The One Hand And Enables To Obtain Best Results In A Cost-
Effective Manner On The Other. A standard operations procedures manual is
more commonly called a standard operating procedures manual. A standard
operating procedures manual is a written document that lists the instructions,
step-by-step, on how to complete a job task or how to handle a specific situation
when it arises in the workplace. The thought process behind a standard
operating procedures manual is that consistent results will occur as long as
everyone follows the steps.

A standard operating procedures manual may include tasks for the

entire company, or separate manuals may exist for each department.

Plan- Written account of intended future course of action (scheme) aimed at

achieving specific goal(s) or objective(s) within a specific timeframe. It
explains in detail what needs to be done, when, how, and by whom, and often
includes best case, expected case, and worst case scenarios.

Programme- A plan of action aimed at accomplishing a clear business

objective, with details on what work is to be done, by whom, when, and
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what means or resources will be used.

Policy- The set of basic principles and associated guidelines, formulated

and enforced by the governing body of an organization, to direct and limit
its actions in pursuit of long-term goals.

Procedure- A fixed, step-by-step sequence of activities or course of

action (with definite start and end points) that must be followed in the
same order to correctly perform a task. Repetitive procedures
are called routines. See also method.

Guideline- Recommended practice that allows some discretion or leeway in

its interpretation, implementation, or use.
Protocol- the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or
diplomatic occasions.

Difference between Guideline, Procedure, Standard and Policy

We come across these terms quite often and we find lot many people using them
in a wrong way. Guideline is simply to give an overview of how to perform a
task. Procedure tells us step by step what to do while standard is the lowest level
control that can not be changed. Policy is a high level statement uniform across
organization. Let’s explore these terms individually and develop a better
understanding:

Guideline

 A piece of advice on how to act in a given situation

 Recommended but Non Mandatory Control
 Example: Employment Discrimination Guidelines, Screening Guideline
 Extras: ‘Guide’ + ’Lines’ meaning Instructions for guiding purposes only.
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Procedure

 A series of detailed steps to accomplish an end

 Step by step instructions for implementation
 Example: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), A Medical Procedure
 Extras: derived from ‘Process’; it’s an established way of doing
something

Standard

 Acceptable level of quality or attainment

 Quantifiable Low Level Mandatory Controls
 Example: Standard of Living, Standard Size
 Extras: ‘Yardstick’; we don’t make or write standards, we follow them

Policy
 Recommended High Level Statement protecting information
across business
 Business rules for fair and consistent staff treatment and ensure
compliance
 Example: Dress Code Policy, Sick Leave Policy, Email and
Internet Policy
 Extras: ‘Police’; ensure discipline and compliance