Scottish Executive - Effective Interventions Unit

Effective Interventions Unit Integrated Care Pathway Guide 1 - Definitions and concepts

This is the first in a series of guides on developing and implementing Integrated Care Pathways (ICPs). While ICPs have been developed within health settings, there is a growing interest in their development across a range of treatment and social care settings to ensure that a co-ordinated, quality service is provided over the full continuum of care. Care pathways are designed to minimise delays, make best use of resources, and maximise quality of care. They offer a way to improve Accessibility, Assessment and the Planning & Delivery of Care through effective monitoring, evaluation and information sharing processes.