How to develop critical paths and prepare for other formulary management changes.

Changes occurring in the health care marketplace are changing the way clinicians are managing patients. Cost, quality, and efficiency of care are increasingly being focused upon. One patient care management strategy that keeps these three factors in mind and is growing in popularity is the use of critical paths. This article describes the 7-step critical path development process followed by clinicians at Hartford Hospital. Additionally, the effect of health care marketplace changes on the formulary decision-making process, P & T Committee structure and function, and new drug development is also presented.