Clinical pathways: development and implementation at a tertiary Hospital in Malaysia
Clinical pathways have been implemented in many healthcare systems with mix results in improving the quality of care and controlling the cost. CP is a methodology used for mutual decision making and organization of care for a well-defined group of patients within a well-defined period. In develo...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2012
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/5590/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/5590/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/5590/1/vol%25202%2520no%25202%25202012_20.pdf |
| Summary: | Clinical pathways have been implemented in many healthcare systems with
mix results in improving the quality of care and controlling the cost. CP is a
methodology used for mutual decision making and organization of care for a
well-defined group of patients within a well-defined period.
In developing the CPs for a medical centre, several meetings had been carried
out involving expert teams which consist of physicians, nurses, pharmacists
and physiotherapists. The steps used to develop the pathway were divided
into 5 phases. Phase 1: the introduction and team development, Phase II:
determining the cases and information gathering, Phase III: establishing the
draft of CP, Phase IV: is implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of
CP while Phase V: evaluating, improving and redesigning of the CP.
Four CPs had been developed: Total Knee Replacement (TKR), ST Elevation
Myocardial Infarction (AMI), Chronic Obstructive Airways Diseases
(COAD) and elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS). The
implementation of these CPs had supported the evidence-based medicine,
improved the multidisciplinary communication, teamwork and care planning.
However, the rotation of posts had resulted in lack of document ownership,
lack of direction and guidance from senior clinical staff, and problem of
providing CPs prior to admission.
The development and implementation of CPs in the medical centre improved
the intra and inter departmental communication, improved patient outcomes,
promote patient safety and increased patient satisfaction. However,
accountability and understanding of the CPs must be given more attention. |
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