Development of an evidence based clinical pathway for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage -

Abstract

Clinical pathways are multidisciplinary care plans that are meant to provide practical clinical interventions, as well as timeframes, for a specific patient population based on the best available evidence. Clinical pathways are meant to reduce patient length of hospital stay, number of mechanical ventilation days, improve hospital resources utilization and decrease the overall cost of health care. These care maps are also meant to improve patient outcomes by promoting evidence based practices and coordination between different hospital departments. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a catastrophic medical condition associated with high rates of mortality and complications despite expert medical and surgical management. The aim of this project was to develop a clinical pathway for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. This clinical pathway is based on the latest American Heart Association and European Stroke Organization guidelines, with consideration to the available resources at the targeted medical center. This pathway will follow the patient from presentation in the emergency department to discharge from the hospital. Its implementation is meant to insure adherence to evidence based practice and smooth interdisciplinary coordination between healthcare team members.