Development and validation of a care process self-evaluation tool

Abstract

Clinical pathways are used as a method of organizing care processes. Although they are used worldwide, the concept remains unclear, with little understanding of what exactly is being implemented. A recent systematic review revealed that, although a tool exists to score the instrumental qualities of clinical pathways, no tools are available to assess how the clinical pathway influences the process of care. These tools are needed for a better understanding of the impact of clinical pathways on the length of hospital stay and patient outcomes. In this study, a Care Process Self-Evaluation Tool (CPSET), based on the clinical pathway concept, for assessing the organization of the process of care has been developed and tested. Qualitative and quantitative methods, involving 885 professionals and patients, were used in the development and validation. The CPSET is a valid and reliable 29-item instrument for assessing how the process of care is organized. The CPSET has five subscales: patient-focused organization, coordination of care, communication with patients and family, cooperation with primary care and monitoring/follow-up of the care process. The CPSET can be used in the audit and accreditation of care processes and will help managers and clinicians to understand better how care processes are organized.

An overview on the history and concept of care pathways as complex interventions

“…20,26 Also on the follow-up of the care process, a significant odds ratio of 5.56 (CI 1.80 -20.36) was found. 20,25,26 In the overall organization of the care process, measured with the Care Process SelfEvaluation Tool, 25 an odds ratio of 4.26 (CI: 1. 40 -13.61) in the benefit of pathways was found.…”

Indicators for Follow-Up of Multidisciplinary Teamwork in Care Processes

“…Five (56%) of the nine initial team outcome indicators reached the level of consensus. ''Team's perceived coordination of the care process,'' as component of the Care Process Self-Evaluation Tool (CPSET; Vanhaecht et al 2007), was scored as the most relevant team outcome indicator by 32 (91%) of 35 panelists. In Round 1, two additional team outcome indicators were suggested.…”

“…One team outcome indicator-''team's perceived follow up of the care process''-was given significantly higher CVI values by the hospital managers compared to the scientific researchers (93.8% vs. 63.2%; p ¼ .01). This indicator is a component of the CPSET (Vanhaecht et al 2007). …”

Organiseringa av 22 pasientforløp i Helse Vest

“…Patients, health care managers and a variety of professionals helped to develop the instrument (29). The questionnaire can be useful both for mapping the organization of specific work processes in a team perspective and for evaluating work aimed at improving the quality of processes in hospitals and research.…”