Predetermined measures against which access, continuity, efficiency, appropriateness, and quality of health education services may be compared.
Pre-determined elements of health care against which the necessity, appropriateness or quality of health services may be compared. For example, criteria for appropriate diagnosis of a urinary tract infection may be performance of a urine culture and urinalysis. Often used synonymously with guidelines.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) defines criteria as “expected level(s) of achievement, or specifications against which performance can be assessed.”
Relevant, measurable indicators of the standards of clinical nursing practice.