title: Effect of introducing a care pathway to standardize treatment and nursing of schizophrenia.
abstract: Care pathways can help to implement evidence-based clinical practice. The introduction of care pathways is difficult for psychiatric disorders. This study examined whether the organization and the effectiveness of care provided to schizophrenic patients can be improved by care pathways. Outcomes from 19 patients receiving treatment using evidence-based care pathways were compared with 17 patients receiving a traditional approach to care over a 3 months period. Results showed significant improvements in the quality of the care for the patients included in the care pathway group. The authors concluded the positive outcomes for patients treated with care pathways were related to the assistance provided to clinicians in identifying and implementing evidence-based standards.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene and Public Health, University Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10/A, Torrette, Ancona, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marchisio
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vanetti
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Valsesia
authors.forename: Lidia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carnevale
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Panella
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019091:Critical Pathways; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000592:standards*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000451:nursing*