Introduction
The development of an effective healthcare delivery system is crucial for enabling worldwide health coverage. The quality of care provided is directly related to such terms as coordination and the continuity of care. However, the institutions are always challenged to ensure stable and effective coordination between themselves. The lack of continuity or coordination can cause difficulties that lead to poor quality of healthcare delivery.
Main body
The case study Jack and Continuity of Care represents these difficulties. First of all, Jack was not aware of his condition, and the new resident who continued Jack’s treatment “did not seem to pay much attention to him” (Riegelman & Kirkwood, 2014, p. 227). As a result, the patient did not receive proper treatment. Second of all, Jack’s job and healthcare center did not provide him with insurance. As the patient’s state worsened, the healthcare center wanted to send him to a different institution because of the lack of coverage. Third of all, social work did not play any role in this particular case; however, a social worker could have intervened when Jack learned he had health issues but could not afford insurance. Medical social workers could have provided information to Jack about his entitlements and insurance coverage. A more engaged approach from the medical institutions’ side could have prevented Jack’s stroke.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is evident that the chain of mistakes of whole healthcare institutions and single workers caused irreparable harm to the patient. The lack of continuity and coordination was the main reason for Jack’s suffering and illnesses. Even though it may be challenging to provide smooth communication between the institutions and the people, this is an essential step towards the high quality of healthcare.
Reference
Riegelman, R., & Kirkwood, B. (2014). Public health 101. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.