Path-based patient care should build quality into the process

Clinical paths can help caregivers "do the right thing the first time" for the individual patient. They also can help to continually improve the system of providing care for future patients. By comparing what should be happening (according to the clinical path) with what actually is happening, the healthcare team can design an effective plan for patient care. By gathering data about the patient care experience, the healthcare team can redesign care for future patients. This article describes important concurrent and retrospective activities of path-based patient care and the ways in which healthcare providers are using clinical paths to improve patient outcomes.