Penn Nursing > NewCourtland Center
 

NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health

Meeting the complex health care needs of the individuals coping with chronic illnesses such as heart failure, diabetes and depression in a person-centered, safe, timely, effective and efficient manner will be a, if not
the, dominant health care challenge in the next few decades
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Our research agenda focuses on the growing population of chronically ill adults with a special focus on frail elders. Using multiple research methods, the research being conducted by our members is creating a body of knowledge that will directly benefit this vulnerable population.
Often triggered by unexpected, acute exacerbations of chronic illnesses, frequent transitions among providers and across settings are all too common in this population.  The common experience for these vulnerable people is that they must navigate a fragmented care system with poor information about patchwork of services that often do not meet their needs.  Coping, managing and coordinating care during these difficult transitions typically falls to family caregivers who are often ill prepared to address these challenges.

A research focus on transitions in health provides an opportunity to explore the dynamic interplay between the chronically ill person and a multitude of physical, psychological, social and behavioral domains during major points of change along the health and illness continuum.  Interventions during transitions present opportunities for maximal effect and, thus, optimal results.

Understanding the meaning, purpose, and the effect of transitions on individuals, families, organizations and society will improve nurses' and other health professionals' abilities to influence the care and health and quality of life outcomes for the growing population of chronically ill adults and their family caregivers, both nationally and internationally

 

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