Management

developments in thecompensation system inthe health care sector mayhave consequences forclinical paths, and a hospital’sbasic structure may influencethe organisation of clinical paths.The model was tested and expandedbased on the experience gained in thedepartment of Neurology in the St. AntoniusHospital, Utrecht.Patricia Herber found a total of 32 factors that influence theorganisation of clinical paths. Every organisation or department that isconsidering implementing clinical paths should address the followingquestions in relation to each of these indicators:u To what extent does this factor play a role within my organisationor department?u What activities should my organisation or department employ toensure that this factor does not impede the organisation of clinicalpaths?By addressing these questions an organisation will be better facilitatedto assess whether clinical paths have added value and are feasible withthe organisation. The list of factors has been transposed into aquestionnaire, which offers organisations a handy tool to assess theissues of added value and feasibility.By linking theory and practice, Patricia Herber conferred both scientificand practical value on her work. This well-written and nicely designedthesis is the result of a huge body of work. A scientific paper based onthe findings of this research is being prepared.47