Considerations in the Development of Transitions of Care Models

Following his discussion on transitions of care and patient follow up, Michael A. Evans, BS, RPh, highlights variables that need to be considered as different transitions of care models are developed.

Mr Evans explains that many new transitions of care models are in development, and that these models will vary based on the type of organization that is implementing the model. He adds that reimbursement systems have changed such that clinicians are now reimbursed for transitions of care-related services.

Additionally, Mr Evans recommends that successful models include multidisciplinary teams of professionals that can provide more patient-centric care, as each patient has different needs. Patient-specific factors such as educational status and disease acceptance and awareness can affect adherence to treatment.

There are also generational differences when it comes to adherence, comments Mr Evans. For example, younger patients who are a part of the millennial generation are more likely to be open to receiving follow-up care via the use of electronic devices. Patients in other generations, for example, baby boomers, have mixed preferences. While some prefer to interact with their care providers electronically, others prefer face-to-face interaction with physicians, he says.

Due to these differences, Mr Evans suggests that healthcare needs to be redesigned so that care is tailored to the unique needs of each individual patient. Technology, he says, has the potential to help transform how healthcare is delivered.