Our Definitions
Clinical Guideline
Comprehensive, “state-of-the-science” document created by professional societies. Doesn’t address specific clinical processes/personnel needed to implement the guidelines or specific “measures of success”.
Care Pathways
Penn State Health systemwide clinical recommendations and decision algorithms, based on professional society guidelines.
- User-friendly reference for daily clinical care, in conjunction with clinical judgment.
- Identifies clinical measures that track whether a population is receiving evidence-based care.
Clinical Protocol
Specific processes to a practice site that allow clinical staff to implement a Care Pathway and/or execute a defined set of orders.