Abstract
Introduction
The use of the emergency department by uninsured patients with chronic health problems
may adversely affect those patients’ health outcomes. Successful interventions have
involved the use of patient navigators to connect the uninsured adult population with
medical coverage and a medical home. The aim of this project was to use principles
of patient navigation in a nurse-led process improvement intervention to connect uninsured
patients to medical homes.
Method
ED nurses were trained to refer uninsured patients with chronic health problems to
care coordinators when they were discharged from emergency departments. The care coordinator
was provided by the Health Care District, a community-funded medical department. Patients
were therefore connected to community-funded medical homes.
Results
ED nurses improved their knowledge about the overuse of the emergency department and
successfully referred uninsured patients who were discharged. The referred patients
successfully made contact with members of the Health Care District by phone or by
attending their appointments.
Conclusion
The role of patient navigators is essential in the emergency department. They assist
patients to navigate through the various health care resources available in their
communities, which can help to reduce ED overuse.
Key words
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Biography
Kysha Cerisier is Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Department, University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Miami FL
Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 04, 2018
Footnotes
Earn Up to 7.5 Hours. See page 343.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
