Development and implementation of a clinical pathway for spinal cord injuries Vitaz, T. W., McIlvoy, L., Raque, G. H., Spain, D. A., Shields, C. B. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2001: 271-276

Abstract

The authors have developed a clinical pathway for the treatment of spinal cord injuries to help improve patient care. A clinical pathway for the treatment of patients with spinal cord injury was developed through a multidisciplinary approach. The control group (group 1) consisted of patients who were treated in the 2 years before the initiation of the pathway. Data from patients treated in conjunction with this pathway were collected prospectively (group 2). Thirty-six patients were treated in conjunction with the pathway compared with 22 in the control group. Group 2 had 6.8 fewer intensive care unit days, 11.5 fewer hospital days, 6 fewer ventilator days (p < 0.05), and a lower rate of complications. The use of a clinical care pathway for spinal cord injuries has resulted in improved patient care and fewer complications.

View details for Web of Science ID 000169205700016

View details for PubMedID 11389382