The primary purpose of clinical pathways is to reduce variability in patient care by establishing a standardized process. Clinical pathways outline the optimal sequence and timing of interventions for specific diagnoses or procedures, ensuring that all patients receive consistent and evidence-based care. This standardization helps to improve outcomes, reduce errors, and enhance the efficiency of care delivery.
* Increase efficiency by generation of automated care plans (A): While clinical pathways can improve efficiency, their primary goal is to standardize care, not necessarily to generate automated care plans.
* Minimize errors by guiding staff through the steps of a process (B): Error minimization is a benefit, but the main purpose is reducing variability.
* Improve diagnostic accuracy by making diagnostic recommendations (D): Clinical pathways focus more on treatment and care processes than on making diagnostic recommendations.
References
* NAHQ Body of Knowledge: Clinical Pathways and Standardization in Care
* NAHQ CPHQ Exam Preparation Materials: Benefits and Purposes of Clinical Pathways