Seamless Transitions: Managing the Inpatient to Outpatient Care Continuum

Opinion
Video

Panelists discuss how best practices for transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care involve clear communication, regular monitoring, and adjusted visit frequencies, while addressing challenges such as care coordination and patient adherence to follow-up plans.

Summary for Physicians:

Best Practices for Transitioning From Inpatient to Outpatient Care:

  • Clear communication:
  • Ensure care coordination between inpatient and outpatient teams for a smooth transition.

  • Provide detailed discharge instructions, including follow-up plans, medications, and warning signs of complications.
  • Outpatient visit frequency:
  • Initially, schedule visits weekly or biweekly post discharge for close monitoring.

  • After stabilization, transition to monthly visits, adjusting based on patient condition.
  • Key monitoring strategies:
  • Monitor for toxicity (eg, cytokine release syndrome, neurological issues) and infection risks

  • Regular assessments of vital signs, lab tests, and adverse effect management

  • Ensure patient adherence to treatment protocols and ongoing symptom tracking

Challenges:

Coordinating care across multiple providers and ensuring patient adherence with follow-up plans.

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