The complexity of health care is ever increasing, as is the volume of research and literature available. In response there has been a corresponding emphasis on basing clinical decisions on the best available research evidence. The development and implementation of clinical practice tools is cited as a means of ensuring research utilisation as well as moderating variations in clinical practice. It is important that nurses contribute to the development of these clinical tools in order to actively shape their own practice. Nurses therefore need to have an understanding of the terminology and processes involved, and the implications for practice. This paper outlines definitions of the various clinical tools, the development process, and the legal and ethical implications of clinical practice tools.