Using computer-based decision support on the basis of clinical pathways is a promising strategy to achieve this goal.
Many benefits have been associated with the use of clinical pathways, yet developing them can be costly, and implementing them is not always successful.
One of the measures promoted by The Quality Plan of the Spanish Public Health System (INSALUD) is the implementation of clinical pathways.
We describe a novel, objective, and versatile model that can evaluate and link the clinical and economic impacts of clinical pathways.
Along with the usual documents of clinical pathways (temporary matrix, variance tracking and information sheets, assessment indicators and a satisfaction questionnaire) it includes a review of the scientific evidence around different aspects of pre, intra and postoperative management.
A significant reduction in hospital costs for each procedure, ranging from 16% to 29%, was also achieved with no adverse effects on patients' outcomes.Use of clinical pathways with children hospitalized for cardiac surgery can shorten length of stay in the hospital, reduce use of resources, and improve cost-effectiveness with beneficial outcomes for patients.
Total joint replacement is an ideal indication for implementation of clinical pathways.
In some instances certain clinical specialties had developed their own guidance as part of clinical pathways which had the potential to conflict with the radiology guidelines.
Recently, in Queensland, a suite of clinical pathways for the management of patients presenting to public hospitals with chest pain was developed [14], with application incentivized by practice improvement payments [15].
Principal CBT therapist Simon Darnley is Head of the Anxiety Disorders Residential Unit at NHS South London and Maudsley (SLaM), and Head of Clinical Pathways for Lambeth Mood, Anxiety and Personality Disorders.
The effectiveness of clinical pathways is under debate.
