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Establishing a proper perspective on clinical pathways before implementing a clinical improvement program
1Delta Group, Inc., Greenville, SC 29601, USA.
Best Practices and Benchmarking in Healthcare : a Practical Journal for Clinical and Management Application
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Clinical pathways are often idealized, leading to unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction. Objective analysis is needed to understand their true origins, elements, and purpose as a clinical improvement technique.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Clinical Improvement Science
Background:
- Clinical pathways are widely adopted healthcare tools.
- Overly optimistic expectations surround their utilization and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively analyze the phenomenon of clinical pathways.
- To understand the origins, elements, and purpose of clinical pathways as an improvement technique.
Main Methods:
- Critical review of the concept of clinical pathways.
- Analysis of the factors contributing to unrealistic expectations.
Main Results:
- The perceived benefits of clinical pathways often exceed their actual impact.
- Unrealistic expectations are a significant barrier to successful pathway implementation.
Conclusions:
- A realistic understanding of clinical pathways is crucial.
- Objective analysis can prevent unmet expectations and dissatisfaction with clinical pathway outcomes.