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A written outline or list of steps needed to perform a specific task is referred to as a procedure. Procedures are detailed instructions that delineate the exact sequenced actions required to complete a task or achieve a specific outcome. They are crucial in healthcare settings to ensure consistency, safety, and compliance with regulations.

While protocols and guides may also provide instructions, they can differ in their scope and application. Protocols often outline a set of rules and best practices for specific situations, particularly in clinical contexts, and may not always follow a step-by-step format. Guides typically deliver general advice or information rather than specific sequential steps. A blueprint, on the other hand, typically refers to a detailed architectural or technical plan that serves a different purpose from procedural documentation. Therefore, the term that best describes a written outline or list of steps for a task is procedure.