• Clinical pathways are systematically developed statements that identify usual and expected diagnostic and treatment interventions. This evidence-based medicine assists the practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate healthcare. These guidelines focus on recommended options for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment and key incidents are categorized according to consults, tests, activities, treatments, medications, diet, discharge planning and teaching.

• Case management coordinates communication and facilitates the interdisciplinary plan of care to ensure continuity of care and services. Effective communication with physician office staff, home health personnel and other post hospitalization caregivers enables a smoother transition to the patients’ next level of care.

• Disease management enables managed healthcare intervention to extend beyond the hospital stay in the prevention and management of exacerbations, which leads to an improved quality of life. Currently St. Bernard offers disease management in Diabetes.

Patient Education Services
The Education Team includes Cardiac Educators, a Certified Enterostomal Therapist who specializes on ostomies and wound care, and Certified Diabetic Educators to assist patients and their families to manage their illness or condition at home.