An introduction to critical paths

Abstract

A critical path defines the optimal sequencing and timing of interventions by physicians, nurses, and other staff for a particular diagnosis or procedure. Critical paths are developed through collaborative efforts of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and others to improve the quality and value of patient care. They are designed to minimize delays and resource utilization and to maximize quality of care. Critical paths have been shown to reduce variation in the care provided, facilitate expected outcomes, reduce delays, reduce length of stay, and improve cost-effectiveness. The approach and goals of critical paths are consistent with those of total quality management (TQM) and can be an important part of an organization's TQM process.

An Integrated clinical pathway for diagnosis, treatment and care of rare diseases: model, operating procedures, and results of the project TRANSLATE-NAMSE funded by the German Federal Joint Committee

“…Our approach shares some facets with earlier pathway models [ 15 , 34 , 35 ] but is unique combining a generic CPW with available evidence-based guidelines allowing each discipline to comply with their own specific guidelines and granularity of documentation, at the same time creating the essential intersecting set of information necessary for evidence-based clinical decision-making. Pivotal in diagnosis, treatment and care of most rare diseases is that they require expertise from different medical and paramedical subspecialities making a holistic approach compelling [ 3 ].…”

Quality of care and development of a critical pathway

“…A critical pathway is similar to a clinical pathway, a critical path and care plan (Stevens et al 1995). Coffey et al (1992) describe a critical pathway as the tool that de®nes optimal sequencing and point of time for various key events for a category of patients or, in certain cases, for an individual patient. The basic critical pathway design consists of identifying signi®cant standards, or key events, which form part of care of a speci®c patient category.…”

Improvement of Medical Care Quality after Implementation of a Clinical Path Monitoring Program for Transurethral Prostatectomy Patients

“…Quality improvement is driven by a long-term goal toward process improvement, a better understanding of systems, and a better overall control of those systems [9]. Although clinical path development is usually driven by a more immediate need for control of specific resources [10], it also results in improvements in the quality of care.…”