How can navigators assist patients during hospital transitions?

Navigators play a critical role during hospital transitions by educating patients on discharge instructions. This is vital because clear understanding of discharge instructions helps ensure that patients follow the necessary steps to recover at home, manage medications, and recognize warning signs for seeking further medical attention. This educational support empowers patients to take an active role in their post-hospital care, reducing the risk of readmissions and promoting better health outcomes.

Providing personal transportation, handling insurance claims, and deciding on post-care plans may be functions that some healthcare professionals or services provide, but these activities do not focus directly on the patient's understanding and management of their care following discharge, which is the key aspect navigators address.