Research summary
Nearly 20 percent of patients who consult primary care physicians are dealing with problems in several different health areas at once (such as in the physical, mental and social realms) and have complex needs. To improve care for these patients, steps must be taken to avoid a fragmented approach and to improve how transitions are handled among various health system and community network professionals. This is the aim of integration models, such as case management.
Dr. Catherine Hudon, Canada Research Chair in Implementing Integrated Care for Patients with Complex Needs, is studying care transitions as well as case management and its implementation and evaluation. Hudon and her research team want to better understand care transitions for patients with complex needs, and are developing strategies to improve these transitions, both within health networks as and between health and community networks. Their work will foster greater health equity and better health outcomes for patients with complex needs.