Embracing the continuum of care: an Australian private hospital's experience

Continuity of care throughout the home, community, and hospital settings is essential in providing quality health care. A continuum-of-care model assists in improving communication between all stakeholders, decreases confusion, and ensures appropriate provision of resources so that patient/client care needs are met. Historically, continuity of care has been difficult to provide because care delivery has taken place in separate settings. In addition, appropriate processes, incentives and resources have not been in place to ensure sufficient interaction between care providers. In Australia the concept of case management has been inviting because it acknowledges the importance of continuity of care. It also addresses pressures on the health care system to ensure quality, cost-effective service provision. The extent to which continuity of care is provided depends on the flexibility of the case management model including the flexibility of care providers to interact between settings. This article presents an Australian private hospital's experience utilizing a case management model. Three specialties (Home Care, Oncology, and Medical) will be used as examples demonstrating how the model incorporates the continuum of care concept. Their challenges in providing continuity of care beyond the hospital walls are explored.