Did you know?

A recent study reveals that 81% of hospitals now use critical paths. Of the 19% answering no, many plan to begin using paths in the near future.

Among the reasons cited for use of paths in the Clinical Path Survey, conducted by Dallas-based Andersen Consulting, are the following:

* increased quality;

* increased cost-effectiveness;

* reduced length of stay.

Pathways most frequently cited include the following diagnoses or procedures:

* total joint replacement;

* open heart surgery;

* pneumonia;

* vaginal delivery;

* congestive heart failure;

* stroke;

* hysterectomy;

* angioplasty;

* transurethral resection of the prostate;

* cardiac catheterization;

* myocardial infarction.