What does care coordination refer to in nursing?

Care coordination in nursing refers to the systematic organization of patient care activities for effective service delivery. This involves ensuring that various aspects of patient care are interconnected and that healthcare providers work collaboratively to meet the individual needs of patients. Effective care coordination ensures that information is shared among all members of the healthcare team, which facilitates comprehensive and continuous care.

This approach not only enhances the quality of care provided to patients but also minimizes the chances of fragmented services and misunderstandings that can occur when care is not well coordinated. By organizing care systematically, nurses can better manage patients' conditions, assist in complex decision-making, and improve overall outcomes.

The focus on systematic organization distinguishes this concept from spontaneous or arbitrary organization of activities, which is less effective and can lead to gaps in care. Additionally, while social interactions among patients and unstructured care might be components of the healthcare experience, they do not encapsulate the core essence of care coordination, which is centered on a structured and collaborative approach to managing patient care.