Abstract
Critical pathway is nowadays used in various fields. In particular with the introduction of Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) critical pathway has been implemented at hospitals more frequently. The Tokushima University Hospital introduces critical pathway into the electronic chart in January 2007 and this study evaluates appropriateness for and health outcome of the critical pathway as peri-operative management for lung cancer and its medical effect.
Out of 53 former cases between April 2005 and November 2006 this analysis included 38 non-complication cases (Non Critical Pathway group) and after a detailed study of their diagnosis and treatment results a Critical Pathway for lung cancer adapted for DPC was drawn up and implemented at the hospital.
For comparison a critical pathway was then drawn up for 30 cases from the period of June 2007 to May 2008 and of those, 24 non-complication cases (Critical Pathway group) were then investigated and compared to the former 38 cases. 6 cases involved complications with surgical procedures and were not included in the study.
Length of hospital stay in the Critical Pathway group was 14.7±2.7 days among II of DPC category, dominantly shorter than in the Non Critical Pathway group with 16.9±4.9 days.(p<0.024) Additionally antibiotics dosage periods were also shorter in the Critical Pathway group (2.5±1.3 days) than in the Non Critical Pathway group (4.1±2.1 days).(p<0.001) Inclusive income tended to be low in the Critical Pathway group compared to the Non Critical Pathway group.
The introduction of the Critical Pathway adapted for DPC at Tokushima University Hospital lead to a supply of uniform low cost medical treatment and, by attaching it to the electronic chart, to work related improvements for medical staff.
