Caremap management in low-severity surgery: a comparative trial.

BACKGROUND: Caremap management refers to the management of defined patient groups using multidisciplinary clinical guidelines developed through literature review and expert opinion. STUDY DESIGN: Using a prospective preintervention and postintervention comparison model, this controlled study compared caremap management and traditional treatment in patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy. Preintervention (n = 141) and postintervention (n = 110) groups were compared for hospital length of stay, resource consumption, and outcomes. RESULTS: Patients cared for by caremap management compared with traditional treatment showed a significant reduction in average length of stay (0.6 compared to 1.6 days, p < 0.01). Laboratory testing decreased by 60 percent in the caremap management group relative to traditional treatment (p < 0.01) and standardization of medication profiles was achieved. There were no significant differences in readmission rate, reutilization of health care services, or complications. Patients in the caremap management group indicated a preference for additional length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Caremap management offers the potential for achieving effective patient care while using resources efficiently. Further evidence is required to demonstrate that caremap management can fulfill the promise of improving health status outcomes in varied types of patients.