2. Give examples of factors unique to the MHS that complicate transitions of care.
3. Distinguish between levels of care, care settings and health systems.
4. Discuss the major elements in the transition of care workflow.
5. Describe potential measures of effectiveness.
Transitions of care for patients with ongoing complex care management needs within the Military Health System (MHS) across all care levels and platforms lack standardization. Transitions of care are among the most critical times for all patients, especially for patients with complex care needs, miscommunication, incomplete communication, and deficient coordination between the patient, the sending, and the receiving organizations. Transitions of care occur on many levels within the Defense Health Agency (DHA). A beneficiary can move from one level of care (primary, specialty, inpatient, tertiary, or quaternary) or treatment setting (home, clinic, hospital, or other care facility) to another level of care or treatment setting. Added complexity comes from movement to and from various health systems such as Direct Care, Private Sector Care, and Veterans Health Administration systems. Numerous factors add complexity to care transitions, including the needs of beneficiaries, the unique nature of military service, and potential movement from one treatment setting or system to another. The DHA Medical Management team is developing a workflow for care transitions within the military electronic health record, MHS GENESIS. The near-term goal is the standardization of transitions between the MHS Direct Care and the Veterans Health Administration systems. The key elements for transitions of care workflow would address the problem-prone areas listed above in conjunction with a standardized communication/documentation process. The action plan for implementation includes: the development of the workflow with key stakeholders and partners, the creation of a standardized workflow/PowerForm for documentation, establish transition of care requirements (e.g., transition of care PowerForm, a referral proposal, and written documentation of the time/place where the warm hand-off was communicated), and build an education plan for all users (end-user training, tipsheets, demonstration videos). The action plan would require leader engagement during the adoption and implementation phases. Leaders should provide consistent reinforcement during the process sustainment phase. Decreasing variance in complex transitions positively impacts outcomes and enhances communication between giving and receiving care team members. The patient's needs, goals, and level of understanding become central themes during care transitions and will be an integral part of the documentation and workflow.