- What is the Continuity of Care Program?
- What does a Care Coordinator do?
- Who is eligible?
- How do I make a referral?
- Who do I contact?
What is the Continuity of Care Program?
Parents of pediatric patients with special health care needs
receive ongoing assistance in organizing their child's care both
within University of Iowa Children's Hospital and as they re-enter the community.
The program also helps to optimize the health status of children
with special health care needs and to decrease length of stay.
During a child's stay in the hospital, the program organizes
services and coordinates communication among specialties. Since many
patients referred to the program require the expertise of various
disciplines, care coordinators serve as intermediaries, ensuring
communication between all areas and with the family. This allows
caregivers to expedite a more timely discharge, resulting in a
decreased length of stay in the hospital.
Upon discharge, care coordinators improve communication between
the hospital and community providers, including home nursing
agencies, primary care physicians, and other community programs. The
Continuity of Care Program encourages care that is family-centered
and community based.
The program provides emotional support to families, which may
improve the outcome for children with special health care needs.
Patients from birth to 21 years of age who have a chronic
condition that lasts at least 12 months are eligible for assistance
from the Continuity of Care Program.
What does a program Care Coordinator do?
Care Coordinators act as liaisons and provide service
coordination, consultation, and resource and referral assistance. The
coordinators facilitate communication between health care specialists at UI Children's Hospital, community providers from various disciplines, and families.
The Care Coordinators tasks are varied and include;
- Assist in arranging health services for children with special
health care needs admitted to and discharged from UI Children's Hospital.
- Enhance and complement the current UI Hospitals and Clinics
discharge planning program. Provide education and consultation to
various UI Children's Hospital specialists.
- Improve communication and interaction between community
providers, the patient and family, and medical providers.
- Available to help develop or improve care coordination to all
UI Children's Hospital patient care units.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, children must have a disease, defect, or condition
that lasts at least 12 months. Services are provided for children
from birth to 21 years of age.
How do I make a referral?
Anyone can make a referral to the Continuity of Care Program. The
child will be screened to ensure his or her eligibility.
Who do I contact?
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