ABSTRACT
This chapter reports on studies that applied the validated Integrated Care Pathways Appraisal Tool (ICPAT) in an assessment of the content and quality of a selection of integrated care pathways (ICPs) currently in use throughout the UK. It identifies the essential components that should be contained in an ICP, elaborates the validated ICPAT items that can be used to assess the quality of ICPs and, using the appraisal tool, and focuses on current shortfalls in ICP quality. The chapter demonstrates the value of the ICP Appraisal Tool including as an aid in identifying and addressing ICP development needs, which reinforces the view that the ICPAT seems to be the most appropriate care pathways audit tool. In order that care pathway quality can be evaluated uniformly and confidently the use of the ICPAT should be a priority in order to provide a systematic analysis.
