Using Human Factors And Systems Engineering To Improve Care Coordination

Abstract

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) describes care coordination as one of the six dimensions of health care to overcome barriers and accomplish improvements in the quality of care (IOM, 2001). Care coordination has received more research attention because of its potential to improve the quality and safety of care. Despite numerous efforts to improve care coordination, there is limited evidence regarding their effectiveness and the benefits described vary widely among studies. Moreover, we know little about the specific characteristics of care coordination. In this panel, the speakers will share their experiences regarding (1) barriers to and strategies for effective care coordination, (2) different care coordination mechanisms that affect quality and safety of care, and (3) the use of a human factors engineering approach to understand and improve care coordination. The panel members will use their research experiences and the existing literature to provide a better understanding of different aspects of care coordination and to identify future research directions.