title: Study: ED-based care coordination interventions need to fit unique needs of ED settings, providers.
abstract: Most health policy experts recognize that effective care coordination between the ED and other providers has the potential to improve health and reduce costs. However, researchers have found that ED-based interventions have differing rates of success, depending on the unique characteristics of the work environment, as well as the providers involved. With these caveats in mind, researchers combing through the literature on this topic have found that making care coordinators available to older patients, and having mechanisms in place to automatically set up follow-up appointments for ED patients, have demonstrated some success at improving follow-up care and reducing repeat ED utilization. Also, a new model that is just getting underway in Buffalo, NY, aims to improve care coordination through the use of community health workers who will be embedded in two metro-area EDs. The approach, which has just received federal grant funding, aims to save more than $6 million over a period of three years. In anticipation of new payment models that will reward effective care coordination, experts advise ED managers to begin forming links with outside providers and organizations. Recognize that outside organizations and providers need to be willing to connect with the ED in an effective way for care coordination efforts to succeed. Consider methods for connecting high-ED utilizers with primary care as well as social services that can help patients with socioeconomic, environmental, or mental health issues.
mesh_terms: D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014481:United States