Clinical pathways

1. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
Dr CN Jaideep
Deputy Director

2. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
Also known as:-
-Critical Pathways
-Integrated Care Pathways
-Case Management Plans
-Care Pathways
-Care Maps

3. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
Definition:
“Methodology for the mutual decision making
and organization of care;
for a well-defined group of patients during a well-
defined period”

4. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
Why are they useful?
-Standardization of care in the organization
-Optimal utilization of resources
-Efficient, time-bound processes
-Team members have ready reference for next step
-Easy to integrate new team members

5. CLINICAL PATHWAYS vs ALGORITHMS
Algorithms are guidelines that are consensus
statements created by supervisory bodies that
we are expected to follow
Clinical Pathways are guidelines based on best
evidence that allow us to question and modify –
because we created them

6. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
Scope of clinical pathways:
-Limited - chemotherapy or IV infusions
-Small - nursing care plans for the unconscious patient
-Comprehensive - neurosurgical patients

7. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
Characteristics of clinical pathways:
-Statement of Clear goal(s) and key elements of care
-Defined roles of team
-Clear communication guidelines
-Documentation, monitoring and outcome measurements
-Allocation of appropriate resources

8. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
When is a clinical pathway useful?
-The issue/condition is a common one
-There is associated risk to the patient
-The issue/condition follows a predictable course
-The issue/condition permits uniform care across disciplines

9. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
When is a clinical pathway useful?
-Previous care plans have resulted in variable outcomes
-Well-defined best practice guidelines are available
-Team members of different specialties are in agreement
-The issue/condition is costly to the patient or institute

10. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
Steps to build a clinical pathway
-Screening – do we need one?
-Assessment – do we have the resources & what are our goals?
-Diagnosis – which specialties, patient types, legal issues
-Development - design and development

11. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
Steps to build a clinical pathway
-Implementation – implementation for daily use
-Evaluation –usability and compliance
-Continuous follow-up – monitoring & adjusting the pathway

12. CLINICAL PATHWAYS

13. CLINICAL PATHWAYS

14. CLINICAL PATHWAYS
Every department is expected to generate at least
one Clinical Pathway per year and manage patients
accordingly

15. Thank you