Coordinating Care: Shifts in Perspective

Effective coordination of care has consistently been a challenge for clinicians, care providers, and systems of health care. The health care system is inherently fraught with unorganized and disparate parts including multiple points of entry. A review of the current issues and the leadership implications is explored in this article with an emphasis on patients becoming more actively engaged in managing their care journey across the continuum. A case study of a primary care clinic in Annapolis, Maryland, is described to illustrate the application of evidence-based leadership skills, knowledge, and a framework to transform health care to more effectively engage patients in their care. As the constant on the continuum of care, the engaged patient is in the unique position to manage coordination, thus ensuring continuity.