The art and science of clinical pathways

The initial recommendation is to provide education and training on pathways as a tool and process, and then the specific implementation at a local level of a clinical pathway specific to depression/anxiety. [...] The design and deployment of a common clinical pathway for depression and anxiety has the potential to significantly enhance substance abuse services in Saskatchewan by providing service providers in addictions services with guidance regarding a standardized measure to screen and monitor clients for anxiety and depression, by providing a framework for intervention based on a tiered model of care a [...] Due to the often concurrent nature of depression/anxiety and substance use, the implementation of a clinical pathway would augment services by providing guidance regarding the use of standardized measures specific to depression/anxiety, which would provide service providers in addictions services a tool to screen and monitor clients. [...] Whether viewed from the perspective of the individual, the family, the workplace or the health care delivery system, improved access to evidence based treatments for depression and anxiety holds the promise of improving health outcomes, improving the client experience and reducing health care costs (Spear, 2012). [...] Further, by providing services through a tiered or stepped model of care to children and youth presenting with symptoms of depression and anxiety, the resiliency and capability of families can be enhanced by the provision of the most appropriate but least intrusive measure.