Authors

  1. Renholm, Marja MNSc, RN
  2. Leino-Kilpi, Helena PhD, RN
  3. Suominen, Tarja PhD, RN

Abstract

Critical pathways are care plans that detail the essential steps in patient care with a view to describing the expected progress of the patient. The authors' review of the literature suggest the use of critical pathways reduces the cost of care and the length of patient stay in hospital. They also have a positive impact on outcomes, such as increased quality of care and patient satisfaction, improved continuity of information, and patient education.