Clinical pathways are developed to guide a health care team through a client's course of therapy. Their major purpose is to:
a. provide early warnings about the approaching need for higher level care
b. achieve specific client outcomes in a defined time frame
c. satisfy standards of accrediting organizations
d. simplify the work of the nursing staff and the health care team
B
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A Incorrect. The development of clinical or critical pathways as a function of case management is not involved in predicting an approaching need for higher level care, but is aimed at achieving the best possible outcome in the shortest time.
B Correct. Clinical pathways were developed and designed to achieve specific client outcomes in a defined time frame.
C Incorrect. Clinical or critical pathways are not designed to satisfy accreditations.
D Incorrect. Although clinical or critical pathways may simplify the work of the nursing staff and the health care team, they are not designed for this purpose.
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