Transitional care: a critical dimension of the home healthcare quality agenda

J Healthc Qual. 2006 Jan-Feb;28(1):48-54. doi: 10.1111/j.1945-1474.2006.tb00594.x.

Abstract

Focusing on the critical transitions of patients and their caregivers across healthcare settings and among providers is a promising approach to enhancing care coordination and improving quality. This article describes the research base for the transitional care of older adults and offers recommendations to advance the science, translate best practices into home healthcare settings, and improve the transitions of high-risk older adults to and from home healthcare. Home healthcare is a component of the healthcare industry uniquely positioned to improve transitional care and outcomes for the growing population of older adults with continuous complex needs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Continuity of Patient Care
  • Health Services Research
  • Home Care Services*
  • Humans
  • Patient Transfer / organization & administration*
  • Patient Transfer / standards
  • Quality of Health Care*