What are the most effective ways to engage patients and families in cross-functional care coordination?

2 Involve patients and families in decision making

Patients and families are the experts on their own lives, values, and preferences. You should involve them in every aspect of decision making, from setting goals and priorities, to choosing interventions and strategies, to evaluating outcomes and feedback. You should respect their autonomy, preferences, and diversity, and provide them with relevant and accurate information and education. You should also encourage them to ask questions, express concerns, and share their opinions and experiences.

3 Empower patients and families to self-manage

Self-management is the ability of patients and families to manage their own health conditions, behaviors, and emotions. You should empower them to self-manage by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, resources, and support. You should also tailor the interventions and strategies to their needs, strengths, and challenges, and monitor and adjust them as needed. Furthermore, you should recognize and celebrate their achievements, challenges, and efforts, and provide them with positive reinforcement and feedback.

4 Foster a culture of partnership and collaboration

Partnership and collaboration are the foundations of cross-functional care coordination. You should foster a culture of partnership and collaboration by creating a shared vision, mission, and values among patients, families, and health care providers. You should also establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations, and respect each other's expertise, perspectives, and contributions. Moreover, you should create a safe and supportive environment, where patients, families, and health care providers can communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully.

5 Use technology and innovation

Technology and innovation can enhance the engagement of patients and families in cross-functional care coordination. You should use technology and innovation to facilitate communication, information sharing, education, and feedback among patients, families, and health care providers. You should also use technology and innovation to improve access, quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of care. Some examples of technology and innovation that can support cross-functional care coordination are electronic health records, telehealth, mobile apps, patient portals, and wearable devices.

6 Evaluate and improve

Evaluation and improvement are essential to ensure the quality and impact of cross-functional care coordination. You should evaluate and improve the engagement of patients and families in cross-functional care coordination by collecting and analyzing data, feedback, and outcomes. You should also use evidence-based practices, guidelines, and standards to guide the care coordination process. Additionally, you should identify and address the gaps, barriers, and challenges that may affect the engagement of patients and families, and implement solutions and changes accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?