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Clinical pathway compliance and quality improvement.
1LaTrobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. l.kinsman@bendigo.latrobe.edu.au
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|February 11, 2004
Summary
A chart audit methodology improved adherence to myocardial infarction clinical pathways in hospitals. Documented compliance increased significantly, demonstrating the audit
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Clinical Pathway Implementation
- Evidence-Based Practice in Cardiology
Background:
- Clinical pathways are essential for evidence-based healthcare.
- Chart audits effectively measure clinical pathway adherence.
- Rigorous data collection enhances quality improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a chart audit methodology.
- To measure documented compliance with a myocardial infarction clinical pathway.
- To assess the impact of the methodology on quality improvement.
Main Methods:
- Developed and implemented a chart audit methodology.
- Focused on a specific myocardial infarction clinical pathway in an acute hospital setting.
- Collected data to quantify clinician compliance.
Main Results:
- Documented use of the clinical pathway increased from 23% to 58%.
- The increase in compliance was statistically significant (p = 0.000).
- The chart audit methodology was integral to the observed improvement.
Conclusions:
- The chart audit methodology successfully enhanced quality improvement.
- Increased adherence to the myocardial infarction clinical pathway was achieved.
- This approach provides a model for measuring and improving clinical pathway use.