The use of critical pathways in caring for schizophrenic patients in a mental hospital

To provide quality health care and at the same time, to control cost, liter ature suggests that using critical pathways as a tool can enhance resource management, increase collaborative practice, and benefit patient care. This study describes the processes of developing a critical pathway in caring f or schizophrenic patients in a mental hospital in Hong Kong. The perceived benefits and difficulties in using the critical pathway are discussed from a nursing perspective. Nurses believed that the use of critical pathways co uld improve the coordination and effectiveness of care. Also, nurses' auton omy and professional status improved. However, inadequate knowledge and res istance from other disciplines were barriers to the implementation. Recomme ndations are given to overcome the barriers. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Sau nders Company.