Evidence-based care pathway for cellulitis improves process, clinical, and cost outcomes

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Health Services Research
• Clinical Informatics

Background:

• Cellulitis is a prevalent infection characterized by significant variability in clinical management.
• Standardizing care is crucial for improving patient outcomes and resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and assess an evidence-based care pathway for cellulitis.
• To evaluate the impact of this pathway on process metrics, clinical outcomes, and healthcare costs.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational pre-/postintervention study was conducted at a large academic medical center.
• An evidence-based care pathway for cellulitis was developed and integrated into the electronic medical record.
• Physicians received education on the new care pathway, and its impact on antibiotic use, imaging, length of stay, readmissions, and costs was analyzed.

Main Results:

• The implementation of the care pathway led to a 59% reduction in the odds of broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
• Significant decreases were observed in pharmacy costs (23%) and total facility costs (13%).
• Patients managed with the care pathway demonstrated greater reductions in antibiotic use, length of stay, and pharmacy costs compared to those without.

Conclusions:

• The evidence-based care pathway effectively improved cellulitis management at an academic medical center.
• The pathway successfully reduced broad-spectrum antibiotic utilization and associated financial costs.
• No adverse effects on length of stay or 30-day readmission rates were observed, indicating a safe and effective intervention.