Care pathways

Source: Hackett. D. Delivering IT for a modern, efficient NHS & National eCare Pathways Service NHS Connecting for Health pp. 1-19

Care pathways: "methodology for the mutual decision making and organization of care for a well-defined group of patients during a well defined period. Characteristics of care pathways includes; an explicit statement of the goals and key elements of care based on evidence, best practice and patient expectations; the facilitation of the communication, coordination of roles, and sequencing the activities of the multidisciplinary care team, patients and their relatives; the documentation, monitoring, and evaluation of variances and outcomes and the identification of the appropriate resources."