Transitions of care: professional expectations

Area of Science:

• Healthcare delivery and patient safety
• Health policy and regulation
• Quality improvement in medicine

Background:

• Cross-setting care transitions are critical for patient care continuity.
• Current communication practices during transitions show significant variability in frequency and effectiveness.
• High-quality patient care necessitates timely, accurate, and sufficient clinical information exchange.

Observation:

• Care transitions are complex processes influenced by policy and provider practices.
• Existing tools like the Continuity of Care Form and Best Practice Measures offer frameworks for communication.
• Variability in communication impacts patient outcomes and inter-provider collaboration.

Findings:

• Professional standards for care transitions are proposed, informed by expertise in licensure, regulation, and quality improvement.
• Specific tools can establish core expectations for communication during patient transitions.
• Implementing standardized communication protocols can enhance patient experiences and health outcomes.

Implications:

• Standardized communication in care transitions can improve patient safety and reduce adverse events.
• Enhanced collaboration and relationship-building between healthcare settings are facilitated by clear communication.
• Adoption of professional standards and tools can lead to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare systems.