Physician compliance with outcome-based guidelines and clinical pathways in oncology.
Outcome-based guidelines and clinical pathways in oncology were developed, implemented, and evaluated in two open-staffed community hospitals in California. These guidelines and paths were instituted in both the ambulatory and in-patient setting. Evaluation demonstrated a positive impact of these tools on outcomes and a corresponding reduction in costs. The success of a program of guidelines and clinical paths is contingent on a number of factors; however, the key to success is the meaningful involvement of physicians. Suggestions for ensuring this physician collaboration, based on our experience, are detailed.
Katterhagen
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Cancer Program and Breast Center, Mills-Peninsula Health System, Burlingame, California, USA.
D019091:Critical Pathways; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States