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Protocol-based care: 2. Developing pathways with effective teams.
Brendan Docherty1, Jane McCombe, Sue Simpson
1Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust, London.
Professional Nurse (London, England)
|November 5, 2003
Summary
Developing an integrated care pathway (ICP) requires a strong multidisciplinary team. This study details the process of establishing a cardiac care ICP for acute coronary syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Healthcare Management
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Integrated care pathways (ICPs) are crucial for ensuring consistent quality of patient care.
- The effectiveness of ICPs relies heavily on the collaborative synergy within multidisciplinary teams.
- This article is the second in a series, focusing on practical implementation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the selection process for a specific clinical topic (acute coronary syndrome) for an ICP.
- To share experiences and challenges encountered during the establishment of a multidisciplinary cardiac care ICP team.
- To provide insights into building effective collaborative structures for ICP implementation.
Main Methods:
- Case study approach detailing the development of an ICP at a single healthcare trust.
- Focus on the topic selection for the ICP: acute coronary syndrome.
- Description of the formation and operationalization of the multidisciplinary cardiac care ICP team.
Main Results:
- Acute coronary syndrome was identified as a key area for ICP development.
- The process involved defining team roles, communication strategies, and collaborative workflows.
- Initial experiences highlight the importance of shared goals and mutual respect among team members.
Conclusions:
- Successful ICP implementation is contingent upon a well-structured and cohesive multidisciplinary team.
- The collaborative development of an acute coronary syndrome ICP provides a model for other clinical areas.
- Effective teamwork is fundamental to achieving quality improvements through integrated care pathways.