Full bibliography

Study topic

This review evaluates national consultation evidence on the role and value of care pathways (including HealthPathways) in improving consistency, quality, equity, and integration of care across the Australian health system, and identifies priorities for future implementation at scale.

Study type

Independent qualitative system review and consultation synthesis, conducted by Nous Group, analysing structured stakeholder feedback from clinicians, health services, policymakers, and consumer organisations at a national level.

Key findings

• The review found strong, cross‑sector consensus that care pathways are essential infrastructure for delivering safer, more consistent, and more equitable care, particularly in complex and fragmented service environments.
• Stakeholders consistently reported that care pathways reduce unwarranted clinical variation, support evidence‑based decision‑making, and improve clarity of roles and responsibilities across care settings.
• Care pathways were identified as enabling more appropriate referrals, clearer escalation thresholds, and better navigation of local services, contributing to improved patient flow and system efficiency.
• Respondents highlighted that pathways help clinicians operate more confidently and efficiently in high‑pressure environments, supporting workforce sustainability amid rising demand and workforce shortages.
• The review concluded that pathways have particular value for priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people in rural and remote areas, by promoting more consistent standards of care regardless of location.
• While local pathway implementations are delivering benefits, the report found their impact is constrained by fragmented governance, variable investment, and lack of national coordination, limiting system‑wide value realisation.
• The review recommends a nationally aligned, locally adaptable care pathways framework to maximise outcomes, improve return on investment, and embed pathways more deeply into routine clinical practice.