Pathways of Care programmes are used in all areas of healthcare to improve clinical effectiveness and the quality of patient care. This book is an essential reference source for all those involved in coordinating healthcare delivery. It is also a valuable tool for those piloting the use of Pathways, for those who have already implemented Pathway programmes, and for anyone interested in investigating or using Pathways. The book provides detailed information on the concepts of Pathways and many examples of how Pathways of care have been implemented and used in different clinical settings. The text considers key topics including clinical guidelines, legal issues, risk management and analysis of variation. With contributions from experts in a wide range of settings--including community and mental health, cardiology, urology, orthopaedics and paediatrics--this well-referenced text draws on practical experiences in identifying, evaluating and modifying the process of healthcare delivery.

Dr. Mark Johnson currently serves as the Director of Toxicology, US Army Public Health Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA. He has worked extensively in the evaluation of the toxicity of military unique compounds and the development and evaluation of a phased approach to gathering toxicity data for new compounds under development. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and technical reports. He has been a member of Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and is a Steering Group Member of the Wildlife Toxicology World Interest Group and vice-chair of Ecological Risk Assessment World Interest Group.