This new ABC title will provide an introduction to intermediate care and guidance on providing the best care for both prevention of unnecessary hospitalisations and improving post-acute care rehabilitation.
It begins by defining the subject and providing an overview of the challenges faced in providing effective and appropriate intermediate care.
It then examines the different models employed in providing intermediate care outside of secondary care settings. The dual roles of intermediate care in preventing admissions and providing post-acute rehabilitation are each covered in detail and the following chapters are devoted to risk assessment and the processes of medical decision making.
As an alternative to hospitalisation, intermediate care also needs to be considered in terms of the specific problems experienced by hospitalised elderly patients. The roles of the intermediate care nurse, practice nurse, district nurse, support teams, other healthcare professionals and social services are crucial in the provision of appropriate care and the importance of a collaborative approach to integrated care is emphasised throughout the text and in Chapters 9, 10 and 11 in particular. Chapter 12 addresses the sometimes difficult legal and ethical issues related to intermediate care such as consent, assessment of capacity, and power of attorney. The title concludes with a chapter on the future development of intermediate care and guidance on training and development.
Overview boxes, case based scenarios and examples, further reading and guidance on other resources are additionally provided throughout the text.
