Critical pathway development: An integrative literature review

Objective. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to summari ze and analyze the methods used to develop critical pathways. Method. Relevant articles published in occupational therapy physical therap y, nursing, and medical journals between 1992 and 1997 were reviewed to ext ract various methods and the steps or criteria used for each method. Results. Nine approaches to critical pathway development and the steps or c riteria involved in each method are presented in tabular format. The most d etailed approach was rued as a gold standard, and the other approaches were compared to it. Conclusion This review should assist occupational therapy practitioners wor king with various diagnostic populations to understand the methods wed, and steps involved, in the development of critical pathways, It should also se rve as a resource for practitioners who have the opportunity to participate in critical pathway development.