­Book Release: Patient Pathways in Integrated Care

Dr. Peggy Richter and Dr. Hannes Schlieter have compiled over ten years of practical and research insights on patient pathways in their new book "Patientenpfade in der integrierten Versorgung" (engl. Patient Pathways in Integrated Care). This practical handbook delivers essential knowledge for the successful development, implementation, utilization, and evaluation of patient pathways in healthcare facilities and networks. Drawing on numerous national and European projects involving the Rresearch Group Digital Health, the book bridges the latest developments in practice and research. It includes comprehensive, real-world examples, such as the use of patient pathways in Comprehensive Cancer Care Networks. With its hands-on approach, the book provides readers with concrete steps and techniques for each stage of the patient pathway lifecycle.

The book addresses the following questions:

✅ What are patient pathways? – Basics, definitions, and distinctions from other pathway concepts.

✅ What role do patient pathways play in healthcare? – Interplay with medical guidelines, integrated care networks, and patient-centered care.

✅ How are patient pathways developed? – Step-by-step guidance on designing effective patient pathways.

✅ How are patient pathways successfully implemented and digitalized? – Various development approaches for implementation and digitalization.

✅ How can patient pathways be evaluated? – Evaluation process and criteria.

This book is a valuable resource for all healthcare professionals interested in designing and improving care networks and processes through patient pathways. Target readers include lead physicians, network and hospital managers, quality officers, nursing staff, and healthcare managers. Additionally, the book provides valuable insights for health policymakers, industry professionals, researchers, and medical societies. For system developers and software providers, it offers an overview of designing and implementing pathway-based information systems. In essence, it’s an essential companion for anyone aiming to make healthcare more patient-centered, transparent, and efficient.

An English edition is currently in preparation.