Which term describes a timeline of patient care activities and expected outcomes?

The term that describes a timeline of patient care activities and expected outcomes is the Clinical Pathway. Clinical pathways, also known as care pathways or integrated care pathways, are structured multidisciplinary plans that outline the essential steps in the care of patients with a specific clinical problem. They serve to streamline the care process, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of care by clearly defining expected outcomes and the timeline for various interventions.

Clinical pathways are designed based on evidence-based practices and generally include specific protocols for assessment, treatment, and evaluation, ensuring that all healthcare providers involved in a patient's care are aligned in their approaches. By providing a standardized framework, they help healthcare teams to coordinate care effectively, reduce variability, and enhance patient outcomes.

In contrast, while the Patient Journey describes the overall experience of a patient throughout their healthcare process, including interactions and transitions, it is not specifically a timeline focused purely on care activities. A Care Plan is a broader document that outlines an individual's overall health management strategies, including long-term goals, rather than strictly focusing on a step-by-step timeline. Health Protocol generally refers to guidelines for particular clinical procedures but does not constitute a comprehensive timeline of activities and outcomes like the Clinical Pathway does.