Which approach is used to follow patients from admission to post-discharge?

The approach that is used to follow patients from admission to post-discharge is case management. This method is designed to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care throughout their entire healthcare journey. Case management focuses on planning, coordinating, and monitoring the care process, which includes assessing patient needs, developing an individualized care plan, and facilitating the transition from the hospital to the community or other care settings.

Case management plays a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes, particularly for those with complex or chronic conditions. It provides continuity of care, ensuring that all members of the healthcare team are aware of the patient's status and needs, which is essential for effective treatment and support. This ongoing monitoring and support help to prevent readmissions and enable smoother transitions to post-discharge care, resulting in a more cohesive and coordinated approach to patient health management.

In contrast, other approaches mentioned, such as patient satisfaction surveys, care coordination, and risk assessment, serve different functions. While care coordination is essential for aligning various healthcare services, it does not inherently involve the same level of individual follow-up as case management does. Patient satisfaction surveys assess experiences but do not actively follow patients through their care continuum. Risk assessment evaluates potential challenges patients may face but does not provide the ongoing support that case management ensures.