ABSTRACT
A critical path defines the optimal sequencing and timing of interventions by physicians, nurses, and other staff for a particular diagnosis or procedure. Critical paths are developed through collaborative efforts of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and others to improve the quality and value of patient care. They are designed to minimize delays and resource utilization and to maximize quality of care. Critical paths have been shown to reduce variation in the care provided, facilitate expected outcomes, reduce delays, reduce length of stay, and improve cost-effectiveness. The approach and goals of critical paths are consistent with those of total quality management (TQM) and can be an important part of an organization's TQM process.
Subject(s)
Critical Pathways , Humans , Patient-Centered Care , Process Assessment, Health Care , Total Quality ManagementABSTRACT
Until recently, sudden cardiac death in a young person often remained an unexplained tragedy. However, in the last decade there have been dramatic advances in medical knowledge regarding inheritable dysrhythmias that increase the risk of SCD in otherwise healthy young individuals. The primary mechanism in this group of dysrhythmias appears to be an alteration of cardiac repolarization. In some diseases, the specific genes affected and even precise cellular mechanisms have been identified. The information about these diseases is often complex and rapidly evolving, challenging both healthcare providers and the families who must make important decisions based on emerging and incomplete information. The purpose of this article is to describe current understanding of the repolarization-related dysrhythmias and discuss the clinical implications for advanced practice nurses.
