ABSTRACT
Optimizing interprofessional team working is a complex intervention, and care pathways can be a pragmatic approach to enhance collaboration within and between teams. Care pathways are a method to make the care process transparent and standardized. The ultimate goal of care pathways is to improve outcomes by providing a mechanism to better coordinate care and reduce fragmentation and costs. Moreover, they can have a positive impact on teamwork. Care pathway development and implementation is a complex process that is continuously influenced by individuals, teams, organizations, and contexts. The outcome of a pathway depends on a complex triad: 1) the perfect alignment of the intervention, 2) the implementation and use of the pathway, and 3) the impact of the context. When team members are highly involved in the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous follow-up of care pathways, it gives them joy in work as it enhances their capacity to show their mastery and their purpose; they can have a positive influence on their autonomy and improve the relationships within their work environment.
