Transitions of Care:  Why is this Important to Me?

This is an important topic receiving increased attention in the media. A transition of care takes place when people move between care settings—such as when a person leaves the hospital and returns home or goes to a rehabilitation facility—or care providers (such as physicians and other members of the care team, or agencies involved with the same client or family). Care transitions also occur when a person’s condition or situation changes. For example, a person with a serious physical or mental illness may have a relapse, or a child may leave a foster home and return to her or his family. Lack of coordination during care transitions is, unfortunately, quite frequent and can be disastrous for everyone involved. Failure to transfer important information and medication errors are two examples of common problems that occur during care transitions.

Case managers are integral to successful transitions of care. They help to facilitate communication among everyone involved, including you and your loved ones.