Which definition best describes a critical pathway?

A) Standardized plan of care for frequently occurring conditions
B) Systematically developed statement to assist practitioners and patients in making decisions
C) Systematic review of clinical evidence for an intervention
D) Set of interrelated concepts that describes or explains something

Critical Pathway

A critical pathway is a clinical management plan that outlines the optimal sequencing and timing of interventions by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals for a particular diagnosis or procedure.

Systematic Review

A detailed analysis of all existing primary research on a specific topic that follows a rigorous and predefined protocol.

Interrelated Concepts

Ideas, themes, or subjects that are connected or associated with one another.