Integrated care pathways for vascular surgery: an analysis of the first 18 months

摘要: Objectives: A review of the use previously described integrated care pathways (ICPs) established for three elective vascular surgical procedures. Design: retrospective analysis information gathered prospectively over an initial 18 month period ICPs. Subjects: Patients admitted to a single unit “open” repair abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), carotid endarterectomy, or femoropopliteal bypass grafting. Methods: An variance data, length stay, and costings after ICPs, compared with previous clinical practice. Results: Variance data were each Variances medication prescribing delays in discharge common all In particular: (i) gastrointestinal complications more specific AAA (ii) wound drains removed day later than originally proposed bypass. Overall, improved efficiency due ICPs reduced stay procedures, which was reflected potential cost saving some 25%. Conclusion: There are clear benefits resulting structured, efficient, effective patient care. Recommended changes current practice based on will require continued audit sustain this “evidence based” approach.