Development and Implementation of Critical Pathway for Hospitalized Herpes Zoster Patients / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Critical pathway (CP) for medical practice was developed to provide quality improvement and cost-effective system. There was no available study on the critical pathway for herpes zoster patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to analyze the cost-effectiveness and satisfaction of patients and medical staffs. METHODS: The CP was implemented to 52 herpes zoster patients (CP group), who were admitted to our hospital during the period from 2011 to 2012. We performed retrospective medical record analyses. The satisfaction of patients and medical staffs was measured by a questionnaire. The results of investigation were compared with 52 patients (Non-CP group), who were admitted from 2010 to 2011, when the critical pathway was not implemented. RESULTS: There were no differences in patients' age, gender, periods of admission and follow-up. For the CP group patients, the more decrease in the pain score and lower total medical costs during the admission period were observed than the pre-CP group patients. The satisfaction of patients and medical staffs was reported higher in the CP group patients. CONCLUSION: The development and implementation of the CP for herpes zoster patients can reduce medical costs and improve the overall satisfaction of the medical practice.