A review of current issues and prospects on critical paths in Japan

Abstract

Current issues and prospects of critical-paths in Japan were reviewed. Critical-paths arepredominately applied in surgical operation and diagnostic procedure in surgery, orthopedicsurgery, gynecology and urology. Critical-paths combined with clinical practice guidelines and evidenced-based medicine are recommended. Critical path is also discussed under the concept of outcome management in health care. Outcome management in health care is a concept of management by health outcome such as clinical outcome, financial outcome, hospital length of stay and patient satisfaction. It is emphasized to reexa mine critical path from the viewpointof outcome management.