A first-of-its-kind online community was recently launched to strengthen the field of care transitions by connecting care coordinators from across the U.S. to support each other. Huddle for Care is a free, real-time platform that features web-based content, live interaction and a listserv community that gives its users the opportunity to learn from and connect with others working to improve care transitions.
Community members can share their success stories, model programs and advice on how to safely and efficiently transition their patients from the hospital back to their homes or other health care settings. The main goal of improving care transitions is to reduce avoidable hospital readmissions. Users can also choose to browse through stories by topic, specific challenge or the type of health care facility or professional.
Huddle for Care already has dozens of informative stories, tips and users. A program coordinator from St. Rose Hospital shares her team’s strategy to give each patient a small note pad, encouraging them to write down their questions throughout their hospital stay. Doing so empowers their patients to ask important questions they may have forgotten and to take notes throughout their treatment. Patients became more involved in their own health care. Even after leaving the hospital, many reported continuing to use the note pads to monitor and track their health. Other stories touch on patient engagement; after-hospital care; using resources effectively; getting organizational buy-in; and much more.
Supported by a four-year Moore Foundation grant, Health Research & Education Trust developed Huddle for Care and will monitor and continue to build the community for the next three years.
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