In ambulatory care settings, research has shown that continuity of care is associated with lower hospitalization rates and better care management in the primary care delivery system may lead to reduced costs to the health care system overall. In New York, and particularly in the New York metropolitan region, hospital-sponsored clinics and outpatient departments form a major component of the primary care delivery system however they also serve as the training site for thousands of physician residents in primary care specialties. As a result of the discontinuous nature of residency experience and scheduling requirements, patient care management has been identified as a particular challenge in these sites.
GNYHA Foundation received a planning grant from New York State Health Foundation to strengthen care management in hospital-based teaching settings. GNYHA will assess specific challenges faced by hospital-based ambulatory care sites and residency programs, and will conduct information gathering with a variety of stakeholders, including governmental agencies, accreditation organizations, and hospitals. The planning process will result in a set of recommendations and action steps for hospital stakeholders and policymakers to address this issue and further support these critical safety net providers.