Developing an integrated care pathway: the process and its application to neurological conditions

Abstract

There is increasing recognition that integrated services provide improved quality and cost-effective care ( Ham, 2011 ; Ham and Curry, 2011 ; Goodwin et al, 2012 ). This article outlines the steps taken to create an integrated care pathway for people living with Parkinson's, a process that could be transferred to benefit those living with other neurological conditions. The impetus for this work followed increasing national interest in how services delivered by multiple service providers and professionals could be improved, and financial efficiency gained, while also optimising quality of care for those living with Parkinson's. The project sought both to create an effective integrated care pathway benefiting those living with a given condition within a specific area and then to understand how this process could be replicated for other areas and conditions.

Randomized comparison between objective-based lectures and outcome-based concept mapping for teaching neurological care to nursing students

“…Pre-registration programs have been found to insufficiently prepare nurses for working in the neurosciences specialism (Cook and Braine, 2013). Pre-registration student nurses benefit from an introduction to neuroscience nursing in their training (Eberhardie, 2009) including common neurological diseases, pathophysiological processes of diseases, ongoing management, continuing health care, and end-of-life care (Peel et al, 2014). McColgan et al (2013) describe how a comprehensive systemic review has provided very little high quality evidence of demonstrably effective neurology education.…”

Challenges in the Implementation of Clinical Pathway in Indonesia: A Systematic Review

“…11,12 These challenges have to be addressed with awareness since sharing information, communicating 'vertically' and 'horizontally', and working collaboratively are featured in CP. 4 There are issues regarding maintaining any resistance that arises from the presumption that CP limits or restraining medical autonomy, as shown in the two studies reviewed. 13,14 Each healthcare personnel (doctors, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacy, or even physiotherapists) also do not understand their role in CP implementation.…”

“…2,3 Inconsistency of delivery of service, confusion among staff regarding roles and responsibilities, uncoordinated work are reasons CP is needed in a hospital. 4 CP is considered as an appropriate tool that contributes to the quality of service management, resources usage optimization, and control of health care cost by increasing consistency in practice, optimizing patient outcomes, improving continuity of care, and monitoring standards of care that lead to better treatment quality and patient satisfaction. [1][2][3][4] It is used by a multidisciplinary team and for coordination of care.…”

“…4 CP is considered as an appropriate tool that contributes to the quality of service management, resources usage optimization, and control of health care cost by increasing consistency in practice, optimizing patient outcomes, improving continuity of care, and monitoring standards of care that lead to better treatment quality and patient satisfaction. [1][2][3][4] It is used by a multidisciplinary team and for coordination of care. 2 CP is more like a reminder and evaluation tool for patient improvement.…”

“…It may require more significant changes of professional attitudes and work styles than to services themselves. 4 In this process, management issues such as leadership, resources, and organizational culture must be explored and addressed. 7 A sharp criticism in the implementation of CP is often considered a threat to the physician's autonomy.…”