Abstract
Miniseminar: Clinical Care Pathways: The Key to Decreased Resource Utilization in Head and Neck Surgery
Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, Vol.129(2), pp.P62-P62
08/2003
DOI: 10.1016/S0194-59980300812-X
Abstract
In the present medical climate, health care expenses are rising rapidly due to an aging population and ever more expensive technology. Hospitals constantly review inpatient utilization and pressure physicians to discharge patients early after major surgical procedures. Over-utilization by physicians can result in curtailment of privileges or other punitive measures. Clinical care pathways (CCPs) are structured patient care plans that can organize and monitor interventions and goals for a specific diagnosis or procedure along a time line. For high-volume or high-risk procedures, the CCP can reduce morbidity and resource utilization and effectively coordinate the many individuals involved in the care of these patients. Complex head and neck surgical procedures are especially suited for the application of a CCP that coordinates respiratory, occupational, and physical therapy, nutrition support, speech and swallowing therapy, social services, and discharge planning. Implementation of CCPs has been associated with reductions in overall length of stay, the number of intensive care days, pharmacy charges, and postoperative respiratory complications. Proponents of CCPs point to cost savings experienced in institutions where they have been implemented. Those opposing CCPs point out that LOS has decreased in institutions where CCPs are not in place and diminished resource utilization is due in large part to pressure on physicians to discharge patients earlier.
This miniseminar will focus on how to design and implement a CCP with an emphasis on the ways evidence-based medicine and best medical practices can be incorporated into this multidisciplinary process. Outcome data from studies of CCPs in head and neck surgery will be presented and analyzed. The panel of experts will debate the controversial issues pertaining to the effectiveness of CCPs and discuss their experience with this methodology and its application to other procedures and disease processes relevant to the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Miniseminar: Clinical Care Pathways: The Key to Decreased Resource Utilization in Head and Neck Surgery
- Creators
- Randal S Weber - Philadelphia PAJames I Cohen - Portland ORBevan Yueh - Seattle WAAra A Chalian - Philadelphia PA
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, Vol.129(2), pp.P62-P62
- DOI
- 10.1016/S0194-59980300812-X
- ISSN
- 0194-5998
- eISSN
- 1097-6817
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/2003
- Academic Unit
- Otolaryngology
- Record Identifier
- 9984966736502771
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