Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children: The Challenges and Achievements of Implementing an Integrated Care Pathway

Integrated care pathways: pathways to change in health care?

“…They report how using an ICP improved referral and treatment processes for each child through streamlining administrative processes and facilitating communication among the multi-disciplinary team, a particular concern following the Victoria Climbie inquiry (HMSO, 2003). Other studies have demonstrated that the introduction of an ICP for falls Prevention reduced the incidence of falls within the study sites (White, 2004); an ICP for Diabetic Keto-acidosis in children resulted in attainment of clinical standards and reduction in the number of keto-acidotic episodes the children experienced (Davis-Reynolds, 2003); patient outcomes improved and length of stay was reduced for patients after hip and knee arthroplasty following the introduction of an ICP (Dowsey et al, 1999). There are also benefits for staff.…”