Introducing clinical pathways as a strategy for improving care

Abstract

This article describes the way in which Catharina Hospital introduced clinical pathways to its workforce. The hospital, one of the largest non-academic teaching hospitals in The Netherlands, developed the first clinical pathway in 2004. Since then, clinical pathways have been presented as a strategic tool for improving care. In preparation for an organization-wide project, a team investigated and adapted the methodology as designed by the Clinical Pathway Network to the specific situation of Catharina Hospital. Staff were educated, which in return provided project teams with methodology and tools for development. Started small, the aim of the project is to achieve a snowball effect in the use of clinical pathways. Having started in 2006, six pathways are currently under construction, more of which are considered for development. An evaluation of the methodology and results in the summer of 2007, showed that the method was of great help in optimizing care processes and developing multidisciplinary agreements.