This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Gooldy, J. Articles by Duncan, B. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Home care's role in clinical pathways

Home Health, Hospice, Lifeline

Betty Duncan

Physical Therapist Anne Arundel Medical Center Home Health Agency Annapolis, Maryland

In 1989, the leadership of Anne Arundel Medical Center made a commitment to refocus its energies on measuring and improving performance. The continuous performance improvement plan in cluded several key initiatives, one of which was the development of clinical pathways. Clinical pathways have existed in health care organizations for several years; unfortunately most efforts have focused on inpatient management with emphasis on physician and nurse activities. The clini cal pathways in Anne Arundel Medical Center begin with the patient at the point of entry into the health care system and end at the point of optimal wellness. The Home Health Agency is currently integrated into 13 clinical pathways. The clinical pathway for total hip replacement is discussed to demonstrate home care's unique role. Outcomes for the initial 2 years of the pathway demonstrate positive clinical outcomes, positive perception of services, and cost-effective use of resources.

Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 6, No. 2, 63-69 (1994)
DOI: 10.1177/108482239400600215


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?