Are different models of care pathways being developed?

Care pathways are becoming increasingly popular within UK healthcare organisations yet very little is known about the tool. Using the results from a survey of healthcare organisations, which are members of the National Pathways Association (NPA), the author suggests that different models of care pathways are being implemented. Four models or different types of care pathways are identified, with different features in each model. The models can be used prospectively by organisations to decide which particular features they may want to include. Alternatively, the models can be used as an assessment tool to identify the type of pathway being developed. This assessment can form the basis for any future evaluations of the effectiveness of the pathways which are developed.