Critical pathways for smaller hospitals in rural areas

Abstract

Critical pathways, developed for utilisation in the health sector, are tools that are increasingly being used toimplement co-ordinated patient care. The introduction of critical pathways results in planned progress throughan episode of care, whilst optimising health outcomes and minimising resource utilisation. The advantages ofimplementing critical pathways are increasingly evident, with reports of increased co-ordination of activities,minimum delays in the provision of care, enhanced interdisciplinary communication, enhancedcommunication with clients, improved discharge planning processes and the implementation of a continuousquality improvement process (Pearson et al, 1995, p941-948).Hospitals in rural areas have not been excluded from the issue of providing quality care whilst containing costs.Distance, sparse population density and decreased resources intensify the need for co-ordinated care systems inrural areas. Co-ordinated care planning to date has centred on metropolitan, acute care hospitals, althoughinterest in the design and implementation of critical pathways has been demonstrated by many health agenciesin rural areas wanting to share in the advantages of implementing critical pathways (Spath, 1999, p45-48;Bertram, 1996 p54-66; Rawskey, 1996, p49-51; Ely, 1995, p66-64).