Related Experiment Videos

Care coordination for children with complex care needs significantly reduces hospital utilization

Sue Peter1, Gervase Chaney, Theresa Zappia

  • 1Princess Margaret Hospital, Australia.

Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing : JSPN
|September 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A 24/7 ambulatory care coordination program significantly reduced hospital utilization for children with complex care needs. This initiative led to fewer emergency department visits and hospital admissions, demonstrating its effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Healthcare
  • Care Coordination Programs
  • Complex Care Management

Background:

  • Children with complex care needs often experience high hospital utilization.
  • Effective care coordination is crucial for managing these vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a 24/7 ambulatory care coordination program.
  • To assess changes in hospital utilization for pediatric patients with complex care needs.

Main Methods:

  • A pre- and postcohort evaluation design was employed.
  • Hospital utilization metrics including emergency department presentations, hospital admissions, and bed days were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Significant reductions were observed in emergency department presentations (15%), hospital admissions (9%), and hospital bed days (43%).
  • Economic analysis revealed annual cost savings of $A 1.9 million.

Conclusions:

  • A 24/7 ambulatory care coordination program effectively reduces hospital utilization in children with complex care needs.
  • This model demonstrates a significant positive impact on healthcare resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model01:15

Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model

The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System01:26

Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System

At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II

Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I

Specialized care settings or centers are situated in convenient locations within the community and offer care to a specific group or population. They consist of daycare facilities, mental health facilities, rural health facilities, educational institutions, industries, shelters for the homeless, and rehabilitation facilities.
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting01:29

Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting

Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Patient-centered Care01:13

Patient-centered Care

Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...