Care pathways. Paving the way

Care pathways are most commonly used in acute trusts and private hospitals, according to a survey by the National Pathway Association. Orthopaedics is the specialty most likely to employ pathways, followed by surgery, medicine and care of elderly people. A third of respondents found the tool helped control costs, but a similar number found it did not. Setting and implementing standards of care and improving communication between staff are the most commonly reported benefits of using care pathways.