What does the term "transitional care" refer to in case management?

Transitional care primarily focuses on the process of preparing patients as they move between different care settings, such as from a hospital to home, or from a hospital to a rehabilitation facility. This is a crucial aspect of case management because it ensures that patients receive the appropriate follow-up care, education, and resources needed to manage their health during these transitions.

This process involves coordinating care across various healthcare providers, facilitating communication, and ensuring that patients understand their discharge instructions, follow-up appointments, and medication management. It aims to prevent gaps in care that could lead to complications or readmissions, ultimately enhancing the continuity of care and patient outcomes.

Relocating patients or the coordination of care during a patient's stay may involve aspects of transitional care, but they do not encapsulate the full concept. Similarly, the transitional phase between treatment plans refers more to the changes in therapeutic strategies rather than the comprehensive support involved in moving patients between different care settings.