Many different clinical conditions are best treated when your doctor follows established, standardized treatment plans called “clinical pathways.” At Middlesex Health, these standard treatments have been developed by teams of health care professionals—including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, physical therapists, case managers, and more—who are experts in a given condition.
How are clinical pathways determined?
Clinical pathway team members review the most up-to-date medical literature to identify the "best- practice," or the most effective method for treating a health condition. Then, they incorporate those therapies or approaches into the clinical pathways they create. This allows physicians to combine the latest and most effective treatments with their own personal styles of patient care. Clinical pathways serve to reduce variation in patient care, reminding healthcare providers of even the smallest evidence-based details so that they are less likely to be overlooked.
How do I know that I'm getting the best care for me?
Clinical pathway use is closely monitored, and the pathways are revised as newer and more effective treatments become available. Additionally, not all patients will be appropriate for a clinical pathway. Therefore, the decision to use a pathway for a particular patient is left up to the attending physician. Pathway use has, in fact, improved many aspects of healthcare at Middlesex Health and other health care organizations around the country.
When you see your doctor, take the opportunity to ask about clinical pathways that may be available for your particular condition.