The development, role, and integration of integrated care pathways in modern day health care

Abstract

This chapter discusses Integrated Care Pathways and their development, role, and integration into modern day health care. Integrated Care Pathways determine locally agreed, multidisciplinary practice that is based on guidelines and evidence where available, for a specific patient or user group. The chapter identifies the origins of Integrated Care Pathways, their place in the modern health care system, and the possible reasons for using them. The key stages of the pathways and the potential for palliative care and pathways are discussed in the latter portion of the chapter.