Abstract
The length of stay, one of goal of critical paths, is determined by analyzing its long-term outcome. Even in a critical path of short length should be determined by analyzing outcomes of a whole path. These outcomes are decided based on scientific evidences including guidelines.
To classify progress and variances for these outcomes in critical paths, we displayed these factors on a table which all staff members could understand at a glance. On this table we recorded outcomes for every path-day (date counted/or/determined on each critical path) in a vertical axis of the table, and path-days in a horizontal axis. The causes of variances were classified into 4 groups, the patient (including his family), staff members, systems, and social factors. The following observational factors were recorded on this table, 1 Daily activity, 2 Meal, 3 Pain, 4 Urination and Defecation, 5 Cleanliness, 6 Education, 7 Medication, 8 Others. The variances were recorded by these key numbers to make statistics easier.
So far we have applied this table for the 8 critical paths and found that this new method has been useful not only to understand variances and its causes but also to revise critical paths by its results. A definite plan and problems will be discussed.
