Jessica Hooper
Researcher, The Health Policy Partnership
Enhance patient outcomes, streamline processes and meet NHS targets. Learn the impact of evidence-driven care pathways on healthcare quality.
Care pathways play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of care people receive from admission to discharge while improving outcomes, system processes and the optimisation of resources across the health system. A number of care pathways have already been successfully implemented across the National Health Service (NHS), but more are needed — particularly for rarer conditions.
Care pathways essential for high-quality care
Care pathways embody a holistic approach to care, aimed at improving the quality of care people receive. Care pathways achieve this by supporting efficient referrals between professionals and departments, along with introducing treatments promptly and reducing the likelihood of using resources unnecessarily.
As a result, care pathways help to improve outcomes, streamline processes and promote effective implementation of the latest guidelines, standards and protocols. Care pathways have been identified by The King’s Fund as crucial tools for reducing waiting times, which in turn will improve patient satisfaction and quality of care.
Care pathways offer a foundation for
optimal, efficient care and support the
NHS prioritisation of integrated care.
Care pathways and the NHS
It is no secret that the NHS faces major challenges in workforce capacity, as well as in sufficiency and organisation of resources. More people than ever before are waiting for treatment, and people are waiting longer for emergency care and cancer diagnoses.
Innovative policy change is needed to achieve the ambitious targets set out by the NHS and UK Government to improve patient experiences and outcomes. Care pathways offer a foundation for optimal, efficient care and support the NHS prioritisation of integrated care.
Globally, the development and implementation of care pathways are emerging. The NHS has already recognised their value, as shown through the development of the NHS England rapid cancer diagnostic and assessment pathways, as well as the NHS Wales national optimal pathway for vague symptoms, among others.
Care pathways are also being developed by charities and patient organisations across the UK. For example, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, along with a variety of stakeholders, has developed a care pathway for people living with neuroendocrine cancer in England.
Relieving pressure on strained health systems
Addressing the challenges faced by the NHS is undoubtedly complex. However, sustainable progress can be realised through the creation and effective implementation of care pathways that are consensus-driven and informed by the latest scientific evidence and guidelines.
