Wise Young
09-04-2001, 12:05 AM
Vitaz TW, McIlvoy L, Raque GH, Spain DA and Shields CB (2001). Development and implementation of a clinical pathway for spinal cord injuries. J Spinal Disord. 14 (3): 271-6. Summary: The authors have developed a clinical pathway for the treatment of spinal cord injuries to help improve patient care. A clinical pathway for the treatment of patients with spinal cord injury was developed through a multidisciplinary approach. The control group (group 1) consisted of patients who were treated in the 2 years before the initiation of the pathway. Data from patients treated in conjunction with this pathway were collected prospectively (group 2). Thirty-six patients were treated in conjunction with the pathway compared with 22 in the control group. Group 2 had 6.8 fewer intensive care unit days, 11.5 fewer hospital days, 6 fewer ventilator days (p < 0.05), and a lower rate of complications. The use of a clinical care pathway for spinal cord injuries has resulted in improved patient care and fewer complications. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11389382> Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, U.S.A. Tvitaz@niky.com