Define "transitional care" in a healthcare context.

Transitional care refers to a set of actions designed to ensure safe and effective transitions for patients between different care settings, such as moving from a hospital to a rehabilitation facility or from a hospital to home. This concept is crucial because transitions in care can be particularly vulnerable times for patients, often associated with increased risk of adverse events, medication errors, and readmissions.

The emphasis on transitional care highlights the importance of coordinated care and communication among healthcare providers, patients, and their families. It aims to provide continuous, patient-centered care that addresses the individual needs of patients as they move through various healthcare environments. This not only improves patient safety and satisfaction but also helps reduce healthcare costs by preventing complications and readmissions.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of healthcare that do not capture the essence of transitional care. Procedures for hospital admissions pertain to the entry process into care but do not address the ongoing transitions post-admission. Managing chronic diseases focuses specifically on the long-term care of patients with ongoing health conditions rather than transitions. Lastly, end-of-life care planning relates to decisions made at the end of life and does not pertain to transitions across healthcare settings. Each of these options plays a role in healthcare but does not encapsulate the specific nature