From 31 August 2014, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will no longer contribute to individual care pathways through Joint Specialist Committees (JSCs). The RCP has played a huge role over the past 6 years in shaping and developing a suite of content for clinicians that is clinically robust. National evidence-based pathways continue to facilitate the rapid uptake and dissemination of care pathways across the wider UK health economy, and raise clinical standards.
Map of Medicine wishes to thank the Clinical Standards department of the RCP, and all those who have worked in partnership with Map of Medicine over the years to develop and accredit care pathways. The dedication of those involved to take part in hundreds of pathway updates has been an astonishing achievement that has led to improved quality of patient care.
Dr Anita Donley, clinical vice president, Royal College of Physicians said:
We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the Map of Medicine over recent years. The RCP has worked with the Map of Medicine to improve standards and drive up the quality of care patients receive by ensuring that doctors and healthcare professionals have the most up to date and accurate, evidence-based information for the patient journey for numerous common and important conditions. The pathways (known as maps) were reviewed by RCP fellows and members, within their specialty remit, who added practice-informed knowledge where needed. The maps were then peer reviewed by our JSCs, which comprise representation from specialty societies, giving those societies the opportunity to contribute. I would like to thank the RCP fellows and members involved in the Map of Medicine work for their hard work and dedication in reviewing and accrediting 49 pathways in since the partnership started in 2008.
From September 2014 onwards, RCP members and fellows are invited to take part in care pathway development by contacting Map of Medicine directly (editorial@mapofmedicine.com). This change in working will not affect the pathways on the Map accredited by the RCP; these will remain available until a change in the evidence triggers an editorial update.
If RCP members and fellows would like more information, please email Sarah Campbell on sarah.campbell@rcplondon.ac.uk
- Map of Medicine care pathways are created using a rigorous clinical editorial methodology that collates high-quality national best practice and guidance. All care pathways undergo peer-review from independent clinical experts.
- Map of Medicine continues to look to the RCP as a leader of clinical excellence and we both look forward to collaborating on future projects.
- For a full list of RCP and Map of Medicine care pathways, please visit the Map of Medicine website