title: Chaos theory and clinical pathways: a practical application.
abstract: Nonlinear analysis can improve the adaptive ability of clinical paths and aid in providing improved continuity of care. This article continues our exploration of the ways "chaos theory" can be applied in health care by focusing on clinical applications. It describes a specific application of nonlinear techniques to knee arthroplasty, but the generalized nature of the technique suggests it can be applied in many other settings. The approach offers an innovative means for both improved patient care and cost savings.
authors.affiliation: St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, USA.
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Priesmeyer
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Sharp
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wammack
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Mabrey
mesh_terms: D019090:Case Management; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D019091:Critical Pathways; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D009068:Movement; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D011379:Prognosis; D013781:Texas