Abstract
An integrated care pathway (ICP) identifies the patient's anticipated progress and ensures that any activities delivered by health- and social-care professionals are signed off, and that any variation from the intended practice is documented. Analysis of the variances from the ICP allows continuous assessment of process and outcomes against guidelines or standards.
The objectives of this study were to establish the current knowledge and awareness of the ICP tool within the local health community, and to find out how it may be improved. A semi-structured questionnaire was sent to 15 representatives at a senior manager or director level in the local health community. A response rate of 67% was achieved. The questionnaire data were examined using ‘content analysis' and ‘constant comparison’ methodology.
In all, 80% of the questionnaire respondents did not identify that the variance framework was an essential element of the ICP tool. A high number of questionnaire respondents identified some, but not the majority, of the benefits that the ICP tool can offer. A total of 60% of the respondents identified resources to assist in the development of ICPs. None of the respondents identified the National Electronic Library for Health (NeLH) as a main resource where guidance was available. However, 100% of the respondents stated that it would be beneficial if standardized national guidance were made available to support ICP development.
In conclusion, this study demonstrated that there is variability in the current level of knowledge and awareness of the ICP tool. It is therefore recommended that national guidance be produced, which would provide a standard framework for National Health Services staff to follow when developing ICPs. It is also recommended that improved provision and distribution of information on how ICPs can be used can lead to effective quality improvement programmes.
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