zorgpaden

Zorgpaden, or care pathways, are structured care plans used in healthcare to coordinate and standardize the treatment of a specific patient group or condition. They describe the intended sequence of care from first contact through treatment, recovery and follow-up, and are designed to align the work of different disciplines and care settings.

A zorgpad defines goals, roles and responsibilities, required assessments, diagnostic or treatment steps, decision points and timelines. It draws on evidence-based guidelines and local protocols, and often includes patient information and shared decision-making elements. Typical components include intake and triage, diagnostic work-up, treatment planning, the delivery of interventions, monitoring of progress, discharge planning and arrangements for post-acute or primary care follow-up.

Objectives include improving quality and safety, ensuring continuity of care, reducing unwarranted variation, enhancing efficiency and patient experience, and generating data for performance monitoring and benchmarking.

Implementation requires collaboration across hospital departments, primary care, and other care providers, as well as information-technology support, data collection and staff training. Zorgpaden must be adapted to local context and resources, and kept up-to-date with new evidence. Potential challenges include the risk of overly rigid protocols, insufficient individualization, and alignment with patient preferences or social needs.

In the Dutch healthcare system, zorgpaden are used in hospitals and community care and form part of broader quality improvement and reimbursement initiatives. Common focus areas include stroke, hip fracture, cancer care and chronic disease management.