Clinical practice guidelines and critical paths--roadmaps to quality, cost-effective care (Part I)

Clinical practice guidelines and critical paths have gained widespread acceptance in recent years. Part I of this article will examine clinical practice guidelines, or practice parameters, and their application to patient care. Part II (in the February issue of JAHIMA) will look at multi-disciplinary care plans known as critical paths and how they can incorporate clinical practice guidelines. Health information management professionals can play an important role in implementation and ongoing evaluation of these clinical tools.