The COPD critical pathway: a case study in progress.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consume many health care resources and require complex coordination of care among multiple caregivers. In this report, we share our experiences at Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vermont, in developing and implementing a critical pathway for these patients. The COPD pathway has resulted in measurable improvements in the quality of care and has provided us with lessons that will enhance our use of critical pathway methods.
Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT, USA.
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D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003625:Data Collection; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D008332:Management Quality Circles; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods; D012139:Respiratory Therapy Department, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000592:standards; D014707:Vermont