AMA Outlines Strategies for Postdischarge Care Coordination

The American Medical Association (AMA) outlines five responsibilities that physicians in outpatient settings have in their role to ensure safe transitions to the home for hospitalized patients in its report There and Home Again, Safely. First, says AMA, the physician should conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s health as far in advance of any care transition as possible to establish a baseline understanding of the patient’s situation. The assessment should not be limited to the reason for the present hospitalization. Second, the physician should work with the patient to establish a set of goals for the care process.