A pilot project to design, implement and evaluate an electronic integrated care pathway

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Patient Care Management
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• Integrated care pathways (ICPs) are crucial for coordinating patient care.
• Electronic health records and digital solutions are transforming healthcare delivery.
• Mother and Baby Units require specialized care coordination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate an electronic integrated care pathway (eICP).
• To involve healthcare professionals and service users (stakeholders) in co-constructing patient-centered care.
• To assess the usability and impact of the eICP within a Mother and Baby Unit setting.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative design and development involving stakeholders.
• Data collection through questionnaires and discussion groups.
• Evaluation of the implemented eICP by participants.

Main Results:

• 100% participant agreement with the developed eICP format.
• Reported increase in record ownership and multidisciplinary team involvement.
• Enhanced patient experience noted following eICP implementation.

Conclusions:

• The electronic integrated care pathway (eICP) is a viable and effective tool for Mother and Baby Units.
• Stakeholder involvement is key to successful co-constructed, patient-centered care.
• Recommendations include focusing on resource management, team ownership, holistic care, and digital literacy.