PATH ALONG Wisconsin Model Decompartmentalize Effect

PATH ALONG is an original Wisconsin model with three defined services to help the hospitalist fulfill their continuity of care role.  The focus is on care transitions.  At the point of inpatient discharge hospital providers say good bye to the patient as new faces take over the community care. 
With the PATH ALONG model a consistent staff person follows the patient through the hospitalization and in to the home. 

The primary concept evident in all models that effectively address hospital readmissions is when the same person present with the inpatient stay sees them after discharge.  PATH ALONG staff are taught to discuss how the transitions occur allowing the patient to form a comfortable mental picture of the process. Consistent discussion that supports patient familiarity with the ongoing changes in care.  Examples include:

In the hospital you see the inpatient pharmacist who helps you with questions you have about your prescribed medications.  It is important for you to continue to take your medications as prescribed in the home setting.   At home you can ask your long time pharmacist Elle at the Gas Stop Pharmacy about your medications.

In the hospital you see the hospitalist who is a doctor helping you with your inpatient stay.  It is important for you to continue to have a doctors help to keep you getting healthier.  At home you will go to the St. Judes Clinic and see your primary  medical doctor MD Stanton. 

In the hospital you see a registered nurse, a physcial therapist, an occupational therapist, and a speech therapist as part of your care.  It is important that you continue to participate in the treatment plan.  At home you will be receiving skilled care through a CMS certified home care agency which will be paid for through Medicare.

In the hospital you were helped by nursing assistants, dietary aides, and housekeeping staff.  It is important that you continue to get the help you need at home to facilitate your healing and recovery.  At home you will receive supportive (unskilled ) care through an in home supportive care provider like Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com .

Injecting time lags for the person to verbalize thoughts and feelings related to anticipatory changes supports the mental emotional aspect of processing ongoing tasks of care.  This is the beginning of putting the patient in a position to supply in the absence of the hospital providers.  Which has been a proper approach to improving a patients health since Florence Nightingale first stated it in a hand written note.

PATH ALONG is an original Wisconsin model that connects inpatient providers to community staff who support the patient during health system transitions.  Check out the web site with free access
http://www.homecarepath.com/Pages/PRESSRELEASEOriginalWisconsinModelToReduceHospitalReadmissionRates.aspx