Chapter 52. Critical Pathways

Burgeoning concerns regarding patient safety, variable health care quality and increasing health care costs have led to the introduction of clinical management tools that have their origins outside of the traditional health care sector. Primary among these innovations has been the implementation of critical pathways, administrative models that streamline work and production processes. Critical pathways have been utilized extensively in several different business sectors including the construction and automotives industries. It is theorized that the adaptation of pathways to health care, particularly inpatient care, may help ensure the delivery of quality care and decrease the occurrence of medical errors.