Definition and conceptualization of the patient-centered care pathway, a proposed integrative framework for consensus: a Concept analysis and systematic review

Abstract Background Confusion exists over the definition of the care pathway concept and existing conceptual frameworks contain various inadequacies which have led to implementation difficulties. In the current global context of rapidly changing health care systems, there is great need for a standar...

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Main Authors: Jean-Baptiste Gartner, Kassim Said Abasse, Frédéric Bergeron, Paolo Landa, Célia Lemaire, André Côté
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2022-04-01
Series:BMC Health Services Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-07960-0
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author Jean-Baptiste Gartner
Kassim Said Abasse
Frédéric Bergeron
Paolo Landa
Célia Lemaire
André Côté
author_facet Jean-Baptiste Gartner
Kassim Said Abasse
Frédéric Bergeron
Paolo Landa
Célia Lemaire
André Côté
author_sort Jean-Baptiste Gartner
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Confusion exists over the definition of the care pathway concept and existing conceptual frameworks contain various inadequacies which have led to implementation difficulties. In the current global context of rapidly changing health care systems, there is great need for a standardized definition and integrative framework that can guide implementation. This study aims to propose an accurate and up-to-date definition of care pathway and an integrative conceptual framework. Methods An innovative hybrid method combining systematic review, concept analysis and bibliometric analysis was undertaken to summarize qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies. Databases searched were PubMed, Embase and ABI/Inform. Methodological quality of included studies was then assessed. Results Forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Using concept analysis, we developed a fine-grained understanding, an integrative conceptual framework, and an up-to-date definition of patient-centered care pathway by proposing 28 subcategories grouped into seven attributes. This conceptual framework considers both operational and social realities and supports the improvement and sustainable transformation of clinical, administrative, and organizational practices for the benefit of patients and caregivers, while considering professional experience, organizational constraints, and social dynamics. The proposed attributes of a fluid and effective pathway are (i) the centricity of patients and caregivers, (ii) the positioning of professional actors involved in the care pathway, (iii) the operation management through the care delivery process, (iv) the particularities of coordination structures, (v) the structural context of the system and organizations, (vi) the role of the information system and data management and (vii) the advent of the learning system. Antecedents are presented as key success factors of pathway implementation. By using the consequences and empirical referents, such as outcomes and evidence of care pathway interventions, we went beyond the single theoretical aim, proposing the application of the conceptual framework to healthcare management. Conclusions This study has developed an up-to-date definition of patient-centered care pathway and an integrative conceptual framework. Our framework encompasses 28 subcategories grouped into seven attributes that should be considered in complex care pathway intervention. The formulation of these attributes, antecedents as success factors and consequences as potential outcomes, allows the operationalization of this model for any pathway in any context.
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spelling doaj.art-557b4494cc114ca98f0e20545a16fbf22022-12-22T02:07:17ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632022-04-0122112410.1186/s12913-022-07960-0Definition and conceptualization of the patient-centered care pathway, a proposed integrative framework for consensus: a Concept analysis and systematic reviewJean-Baptiste Gartner0Kassim Said Abasse1Frédéric Bergeron2Paolo Landa3Célia Lemaire4André Côté5Département de management, Faculté des sciences de l’administration, Université LavalDépartement de management, Faculté des sciences de l’administration, Université LavalBibliothèque-Direction des services-conseils, Université LavalCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université LavalUniversité de Strasbourg, EM Strasbourg-Business School, HuManiSDépartement de management, Faculté des sciences de l’administration, Université LavalAbstract Background Confusion exists over the definition of the care pathway concept and existing conceptual frameworks contain various inadequacies which have led to implementation difficulties. In the current global context of rapidly changing health care systems, there is great need for a standardized definition and integrative framework that can guide implementation. This study aims to propose an accurate and up-to-date definition of care pathway and an integrative conceptual framework. Methods An innovative hybrid method combining systematic review, concept analysis and bibliometric analysis was undertaken to summarize qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies. Databases searched were PubMed, Embase and ABI/Inform. Methodological quality of included studies was then assessed. Results Forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Using concept analysis, we developed a fine-grained understanding, an integrative conceptual framework, and an up-to-date definition of patient-centered care pathway by proposing 28 subcategories grouped into seven attributes. This conceptual framework considers both operational and social realities and supports the improvement and sustainable transformation of clinical, administrative, and organizational practices for the benefit of patients and caregivers, while considering professional experience, organizational constraints, and social dynamics. The proposed attributes of a fluid and effective pathway are (i) the centricity of patients and caregivers, (ii) the positioning of professional actors involved in the care pathway, (iii) the operation management through the care delivery process, (iv) the particularities of coordination structures, (v) the structural context of the system and organizations, (vi) the role of the information system and data management and (vii) the advent of the learning system. Antecedents are presented as key success factors of pathway implementation. By using the consequences and empirical referents, such as outcomes and evidence of care pathway interventions, we went beyond the single theoretical aim, proposing the application of the conceptual framework to healthcare management. Conclusions This study has developed an up-to-date definition of patient-centered care pathway and an integrative conceptual framework. Our framework encompasses 28 subcategories grouped into seven attributes that should be considered in complex care pathway intervention. The formulation of these attributes, antecedents as success factors and consequences as potential outcomes, allows the operationalization of this model for any pathway in any context.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-07960-0Care pathwayPatient journeyCare processPatient-centeredHealthcare managementSustainable transformation
spellingShingle Jean-Baptiste Gartner
Kassim Said Abasse
Frédéric Bergeron
Paolo Landa
Célia Lemaire
André Côté
Definition and conceptualization of the patient-centered care pathway, a proposed integrative framework for consensus: a Concept analysis and systematic review
BMC Health Services Research
Care pathway
Patient journey
Care process
Patient-centered
Healthcare management
Sustainable transformation
title Definition and conceptualization of the patient-centered care pathway, a proposed integrative framework for consensus: a Concept analysis and systematic review
title_full Definition and conceptualization of the patient-centered care pathway, a proposed integrative framework for consensus: a Concept analysis and systematic review
title_fullStr Definition and conceptualization of the patient-centered care pathway, a proposed integrative framework for consensus: a Concept analysis and systematic review
title_full_unstemmed Definition and conceptualization of the patient-centered care pathway, a proposed integrative framework for consensus: a Concept analysis and systematic review
title_short Definition and conceptualization of the patient-centered care pathway, a proposed integrative framework for consensus: a Concept analysis and systematic review
title_sort definition and conceptualization of the patient centered care pathway a proposed integrative framework for consensus a concept analysis and systematic review
topic Care pathway
Patient journey
Care process
Patient-centered
Healthcare management
Sustainable transformation
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-07960-0
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