[First experiences with clinical pathways in carotid surgery].
The introduction of guidelines for carotid surgery into praxis. Early experiences with the clinical pathway. With the use of DRG's for reimbursements, a new organization of clinical pathways may play an increasingly important role in the delivery of health care. The impact of clinical pathways as a management tool in the treatment of patients with carotid occlusive disease was studied. Representatives of all involved disciplines identified in which sequence, where, when, by whom and which care a patient with carotid disease should receive. The individual steps of care were analysed, estimating their utility and determining a new plan for a patient's care. The clinical pathway specifies a target time window, defining exactly the internal and external logistics. The early experiences demonstrate that clinical pathways can be a useful tool for improving the quality of health care by improving cost and process transparency. Hospital length of stay was reduced by 2.3 days.
Klinik für Gefässchirurgie, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany.
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G
Torsello
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Klenk
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B
Kasprzak
D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000601:surgery; D017046:Cost Savings; D019091:Critical Pathways; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000191:economics*; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid / Q000191:economics*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000191:economics; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000191:economics