Clinical pathways are standardized, evidence-based protocols designed to optimize care for specific conditions or procedures, ensuring consistency and quality.

Option A (Used to reduce variations in care): This is the correct answer. NAHQ CPHQ study materials state that clinical pathways reduce unwarranted variations in care by standardizing processes, improving outcomes, and aligning with evidence-based practices.

Option B (Depicted using a value stream map): Value stream maps are Lean tools for visualizing process flow, not for depicting clinical pathways, which are typically presented as algorithms or protocols.

Option C (Required for accountable care organizations): While clinical pathways may support ACO goals (e.g., cost and quality), they are not a regulatory requirement for ACOs.

Option D (Limited to one patient care setting): Clinical pathways can span multiple settings (e.g., hospital to outpatient) to ensure continuity, so they are not limited to one setting.