ABSTRACT

Care pathways are being developed throughout the health service to improve the quality and effectiveness of care. Are they being developed efficiently and making the most of the latest clinical computing systems? This is the first practical guide on how Information Technology and systems methods can support the development implementation and maintenance of "e-Pathways". Case studies throughout highlight team approaches to facilitation clinical knowledge management process analysis and redesign and computerisation - providing insights into how e-Pathways can be used to support high quality patient care. The information is presented in an easy-to-read style and requires no prior knowledge of IT systems. Doctors nurses and managers throughout primary and secondary care as well as healthcare information technology specialists and suppliers will find this to be essential reading. An accompanying CD-ROM includes supplementary information providing useful website links and additional material on specific topic areas.

part 1|2 pages

Patients: some introductions

chapter 2|6 pages

Patients, culture and anarchy

chapter 3|4 pages

Time, money and capacity

chapter 4|12 pages

To raise all boats

chapter 6|4 pages

Twelve good ideas and true

chapter 7|6 pages

First principles and their context

chapter 8|6 pages

How many doors are open to me?

chapter 9|4 pages

The meaning of ‘equality’

chapter 10|2 pages

The meaning of ‘choice’

chapter 11|2 pages

The prerequisites and framework of change

chapter 12|10 pages

Cash on the nail

chapter 13|4 pages

Lord Beveridge and what is really at stake

chapter 14|8 pages

Why people hesitate about change

chapter 15|4 pages

The importance of relationships

chapter 16|4 pages

Money talks, preference walks

chapter 17|8 pages

‘Needs’ and ‘wants’

chapter 18|8 pages

Incentives to change: in whose interest?

part 2|2 pages

Power and responsibility: some policy in practice

chapter 20|12 pages

Order in a self-organised system

chapter 21|22 pages

Getting it done 1

chapter 22|16 pages

Getting it done 2

chapter 24|12 pages

Conclusion: look, see, choose

chapter |4 pages

Postscript