No one working in healthcare today would say that it is easy. And children’s hospitals are even more complex: we must wrap our arms around not only our patients, but their families (and teachers, school nurses, caregivers, and others). Overcoming these unique challenges yields extraordinary rewards – for kids, families, and communities – so it’s worth it. Building healthier futures is why we do what we do.
Delivering Texas Children’s-quality healthcare requires unparalleled care-coordination. As emphasized in Planning a Patient’s Care (one key element of Care Coordination), this means recognizing potential barriers to care and addressing them in advance.
“This particular element sets an expectation to look at each patient’s individual needs and take the time to understand the clinical and non-clinical resources that are required and available, “ said Dr. Katie Ostermaier, medical director at Texas Children’s Health Plan and a Care Coordination team lead. “It sounds simple, but what it really demands is that we build relationships with the right partners and deliver resources in way that is proactive and well thought-out.” Ostermaier compared care coordination to a village raising a child: “Someone in the village must be thinking in advance about everything that child will need in the future and the best way to deliver it.”
The same applies to Texas Children’s. Sterling care coordination requires:
- Having a shared care plan that forces us to anticipate needs and potential problems.
- Communicating with patients by explaining treatments, procedures, and follow-up care.
- Facilitating communication between providers and caregivers by sharing complete patient stories during hand-offs.
- Transitioning patients efficiently between areas within our system and stages of care.
- Optimizing patient convenience by considering things like scheduling, transportation, supplies, and medications.
- Using community resources effectively.
Both clinical and non-clinical employees are critical to this work. Care Coordination is a priority for each and every member of our One Amazing Team.
Tell us your story
Do you or someone you work with coordinate care well? Tell us how by sending a note to connect@texaschildrens.org. We want to hear from you!
Want to know more about Care Coordination? Reach out to Andrea Romay, senior project manager for Care Coordination at maromayd@texaschildrens.org or 832-824-7831.
