What is care coordination, and which professionals typically participate?

• A. A random process for scheduling appointments.
• B. Deliberate organization of patient care activities across settings; physicians, nurses, social workers, case managers, and pharmacists.
• C. Only about discharge summaries.
• D. Definition unrelated to interprofessional teams.

Answer: (B)

Care coordination means deliberately organizing and aligning all aspects of a patient’s care across different settings and over time, so care is safe, effective, and patient-centered as it transitions between hospital, clinic, home, and other environments. This collaborative work typically involves a diverse team—physicians and nurses who lead clinical care, social workers who address social needs and access to services, case managers who plan and monitor transitions, and pharmacists who manage medication safety and reconciliation. This approach prevents gaps and duplications, ensures timely follow-up, and aligns care with patient goals. It’s not a random scheduling process, nor is it limited to discharge summaries, and it relies on active interprofessional teamwork to be effective.