What is the definition of "clinical pathway" in nursing?

The definition of "clinical pathway" in nursing refers to a multidisciplinary plan that outlines expected progress and care interventions for patients with specific conditions or undergoing particular procedures. This structured approach is designed to standardize patient care, improve outcomes, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery. By involving various members of the healthcare team, clinical pathways facilitate collaboration and communication, ensuring that everyone is aligned on the best practices tailored to an individual patient's needs.

The pathway helps in tracking the patient's progress against predefined milestones, enabling timely adjustments to the care plan as needed. This not only enhances patient care but also serves to reduce variability in practice, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.