Outcomes Measurement and Clinical Pathways

In the evolution of quality assessment activities within the healthcare field, outcomes measurement has become the principal objective for demonstrating optimal care. Clinical pathways increasingly are being used as the methodology of choice to achieve acceptable outcomes This article briefly describes outcomes and clinical pathways. It also suggests a practical, step-by-step approach for O&P facilities to use in the development of such pathways for orthotics and/or prosthetics patients. This approach will facilitate the impact that each provider and setting of service has on the patient's outcome. Finally, an abbreviated bibliography is provided as a resource for further reading