One Patient, Numerous Healthcare Providers, and Multiple Care Settings: Addressing the Concerns of Care Transitions Through Case Management

Abstract

Care transitions are a natural occurrence in our healthcare delivery system. During a single episode of illness, patients are cared for in multiple care settings and by healthcare professionals of varied specialties and disciplines. Such dynamic events increase the risk of patients experiencing “poor” quality of care, especially as a result of medical errors and unsafe situations. Care coordination has been emphasized recently as a strategy for enhancing the effectiveness of care during such necessary transitions. This article describes the issue of care transitions and suggests how case management, through care coordination, can play an important role in ensuring safe and effective care transitions.