The purpose of the article was to outline a population-based approach to providing care coordination. The Population Care Coordination Process provides a framework for each provider and/or organization to provide multilevel care based on population- and patient-centered principles.
The Population Care Coordination Process is scalable. It can be utilized in a smaller scale such as single provider office or in a larger scale such as an accountable care organization.
There are many issues within our current health care structure that must be addressed. Care coordination has been identified as a potential solution to address the needs of complex patients within the system. The expansion to consider populations allows for a more targeted and efficient approach.
The population care process entails a data-driven approach to care coordination. The inclusion of populations in the care coordination process provides an opportunity to maximize efforts and improve outcomes.
Sharron Rushton, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa, a Master of Science in Physiology from the Mayo Graduate School and a Master of Science in Nursing from Duke University School of Nursing. She has care coordination experience as a Patient Resource Manager covering medical, surgical, pediatric, and critical care patients. In addition, she has provided case management for patients referred for admission to various levels of rehabilitation services. She is certified as a case manager by the Commission for Case Manager Certification. She is currently an assistant professor and faculty leader for the Population Care Coordination Program at Duke University School of Nursing.
Address correspondence to Sharron Rushton, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, Duke University School of Nursing, DUMC Box 3322, 307 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710 (sharron.rushton@duke.edu).
The author reports no conflicts of interest.
