What's New | June 09, 2010

Connecting Health Care and Social Services

Patients with multiple and complex health conditions, mental health problems, and/or limited English proficiency often need a range of social services and support to manage their conditions. Health care providers and organizations can help patients connect to behavioral health services, social support, financial assistance programs, and other services that address their specific needs.

The featured Innovations describe three different programs that help vulnerable populations access needed social services.

The featured QualityTools help health care providers refer patients to services and to identify community-based resources.

Featured Innovations:

• Comprehensive, Multilingual Social Services Program Brings Valuable Support to the Elderly, Disabled, and Those With Limited English Proficiency
with Story
with Expert Commentary

• Intensive, Nurse-Led Care Management During and After Hospitalization Reduces Readmissions and Costs for High-Risk Seniors

• Referral System Allows Responders to Connect 911 Callers to Needed Community-Based Services, Reducing Nonemergency Calls

Featured QualityTools:

• Community Resource Inventory Tool
Developed by United Hospital Fund

• Get Connected! Toolkit: Linking Older Adults With Medication, Alcohol, and Mental Health Resources
Developed by National Council on Aging

• Health Net Care Coordination Tool For Children With Special Health Care Needs
Developed by Health Net of California, Inc.

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Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• Checklist-Guided Process Reduces Surgery-Related Mortality and Complications