Strategies for Improving the Likelihood of Safe, Effective Transition Care in the San Fernando Valley.jpg)
“Care transitions” are how a patient moves between healthcare practitioners and environments as their condition and care requirements change. A patient may receive care from a specialist in an outpatient setting, then transition to a hospital physician and nursing team during an inpatient admission before moving on to another care team at a skilled nursing facility. Finally, the patient may return home, where they might receive care from a visiting nurse. Each of these shifts from care providers and settings is defined as a “care transition.” “Transitional care” is the set of actions designed to ensure the coordination and continuity of healthcare, as patients transfer between different locations, or between different levels of care within the same location.
Steps a patient can take to be more proactive with their healthcare and to improve the likelihood of successful care transitions:
- Understand your medications and ensure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to take them.
- Make sure to schedule and go to follow-up appointments with your doctor.
- Find out if your hospital offers home visits or makes follow-up calls.
- Inquire about referrals to community services, such as free transportation to follow up appointments and Meals on Wheels, and take advantage of them.
- Ensure anyone taking care of you is engaged in all conversations throughout your healthcare experience.
- Know your instructions when leaving the hospital
To learn more about our transitional care services and how we support patient care and treatment at home, please visit our website.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertszczerba/2015/01/28/understanding-the-hidden-dangers-when-leaving-the-hospital/#534bd0a359af