What term describes the movement of a patient from one care setting to another?

The term that describes the movement of a patient from one care setting to another is "Transitions of Care." This concept encompasses all the steps and processes involved when a patient moves between different healthcare environments, such as from a hospital to a rehabilitation facility or from a specialty clinic to primary care. This transition is critical because it involves coordination among various healthcare teams to ensure that the patient's care is seamless and effective. Proper management during these transitions can significantly reduce the risk of complications, improve patient outcomes, and enhance overall satisfaction with care.

Continuity of Care, while also important, focuses more on the ongoing management and coordination of care over time, rather than specifically on the movement between settings. Caring Pathways refers to the structured approaches used to manage a patient's care throughout their treatment, emphasizing the care plan rather than the transitions. Patient Navigation typically involves guiding patients through the healthcare system to ensure they receive the appropriate services and resources, but it does not define the actual movement between care settings. Thus, "Transitions of Care" is the most accurate term for the movement of patients across different healthcare contexts.