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Clinical Pathways

Evidence for cancer treatment is constantly evolving. This can result in lag times for system-wide implementation and variability in treatments for Veterans. Clinical Pathways are a decision support tool that bridge this gap by translating published evidence into standardized treatment process maps to help guide treatment decisions.
Clinical Pathways standardize evidence-based practices to ensure high quality, cost-effective care for Veterans at each point in their care plan. Clinical Pathways are different from treatment guidelines, as Clinical Pathways recommend a standard treatment based on efficacy, toxicity, and cost. Guidelines, on the other hand, offer treatment options without always prioritizing specific recommendations. Clinical Pathways are developed by an interdisciplinary subject matter expert group and approved by national program offices including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, and pharmacy.