Use and development of clinical pathways by registered nurses in an acute paediatric setting

A survey of 259 nurses working in an acute paediatric setting sought to gain their views about pathways of care with regard to satisfaction with use, content of pathway, ability to use in practice, effect on practice and commitment to use. While the most positive findings to emerge from the research indicated that nurses liked clinical pathways because they saved time and reduced documentation requirements, issues were also raised about the need for a broader, more inclusive development process for pathways, and an improved education program for staff use. The implications to arise from these findings are important for senior staff and educators who are responsible for staff orientation programs and ongoing staff development as well as for those responsible for the development and implementation of clinical pathways into practice.