The Power of Pathways: Editorial Board Perspectives From a Decade of JCP
As health care evolves—with rapid therapeutic advances, the shift to value-based care, and a growing focus on person-centered approaches—clinical pathways are more essential than ever. The Journal of Clinical Pathways (JCP) has long led these efforts, guided by the insights and leadership of our Editorial Advisory Board. In the reflections that follow, board members share their perspectives on the lasting and emerging role of pathways as tools for evidence-based, high-value care and as frameworks that support clinicians, inform stakeholder decisions, and center the patient in every care journey.
“When we think about the opportunity for pathways and how they could be even better attuned to the idea of person-centered care, we see a future in which pathways truly serve as the basis for person-centered decision support. And that means not only capturing the clinical information that may be necessary to make sure you’re giving the right clinical care to the right patient at the right time, but also incorporating that really personal, important information about that patient ... [W]hen those things can be brought together at a unique point in a decision-making process, that’s really where you’re able to maximize the chance of not just making a good decision for the patient, but making a really person-centered decision for the patient.”
—Alan J. Balch, PhD, MSc
Oncology clinical pathways are even more impactful and necessary than when they were first developed 20 years ago. With the growth of value-based care, the rapid evolution of cancer therapies, and the increasing complexity of cancer care, pathways serve an increasingly important role in helping overburdened clinicians to select the most impactful standard of care treatments for a wide range of disease presentations quickly and reliably. For the past 10 years, JCP has been a reliable source of high-quality research, education, and commentary about pathways and the practice of oncology.
As a member of the Editorial Board, I am proud to support the work of JCP. Not only do I have the opportunity to contribute to its industry-leading knowledge base about pathways and work with an engaged and thoughtful editorial staff at HMP [Global], but I also have a say in the direction of JCP as it plots its course into the future.
—Gordon Kuntz
[Our goal] is to help guide the strategy and focus of JCP. Pathways remain important to understand the impact of therapies on patient survival and quality of life in addition to the impact on [the] total cost of care. The past few years have seen, and will continue to see, an abundance of new treatments that truly improve patient outcomes. However, not all new therapies offer the same benefit. Pathways led by health care experts help distinguish the benefits of therapies for patients, physicians, and payers [to improve patient outcomes].”
—Lalan Wilfong, MD
Pathways in health care have become increasingly important since the pandemic, for both clinical patient care and the business of health care. Bringing an appreciation for the multitude of users of and uses for pathways has been a particular area of interest that I’ve contributed to as an Editorial Board member. In particular, the pathway needs across various commercial insurance and care coverage decision-makers that can be beneficial to patients along with all concerned in optimal care delivery.
—F. Randy Vogenberg, PhD, FASHP
