Clinical pathways in the perioperative setting

Clinical pathways have been implemented in a variety of health-care settings. They serve as a useful tool for case managers in acute care settings as well as ambulatory care settings, skilled care facilities, and long-term care facilities. The use of these tools in the perioperative setting, along with variance documentation and data feedback is presented here. By creating tangible definitions of quality in the perioperative setting, clinical pathways improve patient care and assure clinical consistency and continuity of care.