For debate: the Operational Patient Care Pathway.

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Operational Healthcare
• Disaster Medicine

Background:

• Military operations expose personnel to 'all-hazards environments'.
• Existing clinical care models require integration for deployed populations.
• Lessons from recent military operations necessitate updated medical doctrine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Operational Patient Care Pathway (OPCP) as a unified approach.
• To embed lessons from a decade of military operations into future Defence Medical Services.
• To propose new clinical concepts and organizational models for operational healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Development of three organizational models: Healthcare Cycle, Chain of Care, and OPCP.
• Establishment of key definitions: 'All-Hazards Environment', Defence Population at Risk (PAR).
• Introduction of novel clinical concepts: Tactical Field Care, Care under Fire, Prolonged Field Care, etc.

Main Results:

• The OPCP provides a unified framework for clinical care.
• Key definitions and seven Capabilities of Operational Healthcare are established.
• New clinical concepts enhance the scope of field medical interventions.

Conclusions:

• The OPCP integrates recent medical operational lessons into doctrine.
• The proposed pathway aims to improve care for deployed military personnel.
• Further debate is encouraged for finalization in Joint Medical Doctrine.