Experiences of using clinical pathways in hospitals: Perspectives of quality improvement personnel

This study aimed to explore the experiences of quality improvement personnel in implementing clinical pathways (CPs) in Korean hospitals.

A qualitative study using focus-group interviews was conducted with healthcare professionals in charge of CP development and management in hospitals.

Sixteen quality improvement personnel from eight tertiary and seven general hospitals were recruited using purposive sampling. The verbatim transcribed data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Three key themes emerged: (1) the primary focus of CP development on surgeries through concerted efforts between management and frontline healthcare professionals; (2) CP fidelity management using indicators and feedback to relevant staff or departments; and (3) positive outcomes, despite concerns about system safety. The factors affecting CP use included availability of clinical evidence, flexibility of CPs, top management and clinical leadership, physicians' perceptions of CPs, computerized support systems, and external policies and regulations.