Self-Care Guidelines: Finding a Common Ground

Abstract

Journal of Transplant Coordination, Vol. 9, Number 3, September 1999 stay to be the key factor explaining transplant charge variances. Posttransplant hospital stays, therefore, became a major area targeted to reduce transplant costs. As a result, transplant centers consistently discharge patients earlier, often using alternate site care to support patient recovery and ensure uncompromised patient care. Additionally, many transplant centers now compete for “Centers of Excellence” status with payor organizations or for inclusion into transplant networks to help direct patients into their programs. The impact of this trend can been seen wherever patients may have to travel outside their community or state to receive treatment. In fact, patients from the same community may now receive transplants at multiple sites. These trends have also had a major impact on the home care industry. As a result of early discharge, patients are now being managed in the home care setting at a higher acuity level than ever before. Additionally, the home care provider is coordinating care for patients discharged from multiple transplant centers, each with its own set of unique protocols and patient education guidelines. Patients and their caregivers do not have the luxury of a prolonged hospital stay and are frequently overwhelmed by the reality of the transplant and the posttransplant responsibilities and lifestyle changes. They may not have absorbed all Self-care guidelines: finding a common ground