The safety risks present during transitions in care have become a key concern in the health care industry.
The National Transitions of Care Coalition reports that "The U.S. health care system often fails to meet the needs of patients during transitions because care is rushed and responsibility is fragmented, with little communication across care settings and multiple providers.
A recent survey by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on Patient Safety Culture, found that 42% of the hospitals surveyed reported that “things fall between the cracks when transferring patients from one unit to another” and “problems often occur in the exchange of information across hospital units.” Poor communication during transitions from one care setting to another can lead to confusion about the patient’s condition and appropriate care, duplicative tests, inconsistent patient monitoring, medication errors, delays in diagnosis and lack of follow trough on referrals. These failures create serious patient safety, quality of care, and health outcome concerns."
Care is There is dedicated to bridging the gaps between care settings and reducing the risk of transitions in health care.
Read these related articles about how you can reduce the risks of transitions in care and how Care is There can help.
Next Steps
Unable to be with your loved one during their health care transitions? We can be there for you.
Contact Care is There today for a free consultation!
Central Virginia: 434.326.5323
Toll Free: 800.434.1633
Email: Info@CareisThere.com
Related Articles
- How to Manage Your Loved One’s Hospital Admission
- How to Manage Your Loved One’s Discharge from a Hospital or Rehabilitation Center
- How to Manage Your Loved One’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Stay
- Prepare for Your Loved One to Come Home from the Hospital
- How to Manage Your Loved One’s Hospital Stay
- How to Manage Your Loved One’s Discharge to a Rehabilitation Center
- Understanding Hospital Observation Status & its Impact on Insurance Coverage