Provider- and Patient-Related Factors Impacting Care Transitions

When treating patients with cardiovascular conditions, explains David May, MD, PhD, FACC, physicians should consider a variety of factors, both provider- and patient-related, that may impact transitions of care after a serious cardiovascular event. Understanding these factors can help physicians to aid their patients in navigating through healthcare transitions.

Dr May explains that it is the responsibility of the provider to educate patients and their families about the disease process, the purpose of medications, and the importance of adherence to the medication regimen.

Dr May emphasizes that it is important to help patients and their family members be contributing members of the care team, especially after the patient returns home.

In addition to provider-related factors, Dr May discusses patient-related factors that physicians should consider in helping patients experiencing transitions of care. Specifically, Dr May explains that psychosocial factors may play a role in the period immediately after an event has occurred; for example, patients may experience fear and/or anxiety.

Additionally, Dr May highlights some of the more common physical and economic factors. For example, he notes that forgetfulness may impact patients’ adherence to medication and that insurance requirements/paperwork may be challenging for patients to work through. These factors may cause great anxiety, and Dr May suggests that help with these issues should be provided to patients and families following a serious cardiovascular event.