The Essential Role of the Rehabilitation Nurse in Facilitating Care Transitions

Facilitating effective care transitions is incredibly important given the longevity of people today, and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses. "There is a need for clinicians with the necessary knowledge and skills to advocate and facilitate transitions that result in the greatest value to the patients, their families, and the healthcare delivery system. A review of the literature reveals significant problems with transitions to postacute care (PAC) settings. Care is fragmented, disorganized, and guided by factors unrelated to the quality of care or patient outcomes. Studies have demonstrated that the selection of a PAC setting for patients is influenced by multiple factors". Although the article is American, it still may be applicable to the rehabilitation nurse in Australia.
  In the January-February issue of Rehabilitation Nursing  you can read the article, “The Essential Role of the Rehabilitation Nurse in Facilitating Care Transitions: A White Paper by the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses”.   There is free access to this paper throughout 2014.