Patient safety – handover of care between primary and acute care: Policy review and analysis

The Integrated Care Working Group (ICWG) of the National Lead Clinicians Group (LCG) commissioned the Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI) to undertake a review of evidence and policy around patients‟ transitions between the primary and acute sectors.

The paper includes an international and national literature review and analysis on transitions of care, including the clinical handover of care, between primary / community-based and acute care sectors. This data and evidence are reported and analysed in the context of current and future health care reforms underway in Australia. The aim is to provide an assessment of opportunities for improvements in transitions of care that will result in reduced mortality and morbidity, fewer opportunities for medical errors, improved health outcomes, greater stakeholder involvement, and reduced healthcare costs. The paper makes recommendations about potential policies and strategies and how these might be implemented to improve patient safety during transitions of care.

Please contact the research Member for additional information.

Partnerships

  • Ms Jennifer Doggett