Module 7: Optimizing Health Systems in LTC
181 7.6 Health System Partnership
Caring for residents in LTC includes supporting through comprehensive primary care in their home setting, which is the LTC home. In primary care provision, there is often a need for specialist consultation and a need for referral pathways to support[1]. Engaging in specialists further supports high quality and safe care in LTC and includes:
- Developing pathways and procedures to provide the resident with a timely referral to specialists and services not available in LTC
- LTC home leadership and clinicians play a key role in providing resident care and treatment plans which include care and services provided “when, where, and how they need it”[2]
- Integrated care is a collaborative approach to service delivery
Clinical pathways considerations:
- Are a health quality strategy
- Facilitators and barriers
- Clinical practice guidelines
- Maximizing patient outcomes and clinical efficiency
- Partnerships with acute care, clinics, etc.
- Better informed referrals
Referral pathways include:
- Virtual Care
- Direct specialist support
- Specialist
- Ambulatory care pathways for services
