What is meant by "care coordination" in the context of case management?

The term "care coordination" refers specifically to the organization of patient care activities across various participants involved in a patient's treatment. In the context of case management, this involves ensuring that all healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers, communicate effectively and work together towards a common goal: providing comprehensive and efficient care for the patient.

Care coordination is crucial because it helps manage complex patient needs, particularly when multiple specialists are involved. It assists in avoiding overlaps in treatment, minimizing gaps in care, and ensuring that patients receive the appropriate services at the right times. This systematic approach not only enhances the quality of care delivered but also significantly improves patient outcomes.

This concept encompasses understanding a patient's overall situation, including their medical, emotional, and social needs, and ensuring that all elements of their care integrate seamlessly. Being focused on coordination makes it distinct from merely setting priorities, determining treatment options, or managing administration, as those aspects can exist independently of the collaborative process central to effective care coordination.