Clinical pathways to improve patient outcomes

Abstract

A dynamic plan of care should be established for each diagnosis to optimise patient outcomes. There is evidence to support the view that these dynamic plans or clinical pathways improve patient compliance. This pathway would create a relationship between the clinician and patient, increase autonomy, and decrease paternalism. It will delineate frequency, duration, pain, and time to reach the anticipated functional goal of the patient. Informed consent and patient rights have been discussed in the literature as an ethical challenge. A respect for the legal implications of an informed consent must continue, along with an open dialogue about the clinical pathway. The informed consent would transition from a legal document to an active clinical pathway, providing increased autonomy, improved outcomes, and better patient compliance.

Keywords:

• CARE MAPS
• CLINICAL PATHWAYS
• OUTCOME MAPPING
• PATIENT COMPLIANCE
• PLAN OF CARE