Problem: Your manager has asked you to participate in a committee that is looking at the care of stroke (CVA) patients at your facility. The team includes the stroke case manager, nurses who provide bedside care for patients with stroke, unit managers, representative from the quality improvement department, neurologist, hospitalist (physician whose practice is solely in the hospital), speech therapist, and physical therapist. The committee's first task involves creating a clinical pathway.
1. According to the Nursing Today textbook, what are clinical pathways?
2. Discuss the four essential elements of a clinical pathway.
3. How do clinical pathways differ from practice guidelines?
4. According to the Nursing Today book, what is case management and what type of patients are appropriate for case management?
5. Explain the Magnet Recognition program.