Post-acute care (PAC) is a vital part of the healthcare system that helps patients recover from illness, surgery or injury.

It includes a range of services, such as rehabilitation, home health care, long-term care, hospice care and more. As the population ages and healthcare costs continue to rise, health systems are increasingly focusing on building and managing PAC services to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.

One key factor in the success of any PAC program is strong leadership. Health systems must establish effective leadership structures to oversee and manage PAC services, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care that meets their needs. Below are some examples of health system post-acute leadership structures.

Dedicated post-acute care leadership team: Some health systems have established dedicated post-acute care leadership teams to oversee and manage PAC services. These teams are often composed of experienced clinicians and administrators with expertise in PAC, including nursing, therapy, social work, and business operations. The team is responsible for ensuring that patients receive high-quality care, monitoring performance, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Dual leadership roles: In some health systems, post-acute care services are managed by individuals who also oversee other areas of the healthcare system. This model allows for greater integration of PAC services into the overall healthcare system, with leaders able to leverage existing resources and expertise. However, it can also lead to competing priorities and a lack of dedicated focus on post-acute care.

Regional or market-based leadership: Some health systems have established regional or market-based post-acute care leadership structures. This model allows for more localized decision-making and tailored approaches to PAC services based on the needs of the local community. Regional leaders oversee multiple post-acute care programs within a specific geographic area, ensuring consistency in care quality and coordination.

Collaborative leadership model: In some health systems, post-acute care services are managed through a collaborative leadership model that brings together leaders from across the healthcare system, including acute care, PAC, and community-based services. This model fosters greater collaboration and communication across care settings, allowing for a more seamless transition of care and improved patient outcomes.

Integrated post-acute care system: Some health systems have established integrated post-acute care systems that include both acute and post-acute care services. This model allows for greater continuity of care and coordination across care settings, with a focus on patient-centered care. Leaders within this model oversee both acute and post-acute care services, ensuring consistency in care quality and performance.

In addition to these structures, there are several other key factors that contribute to successful post-acute care leadership. These include:

Strong clinical expertise: Effective post-acute care leaders must have a deep understanding of clinical best practices and a strong focus on patient-centered care.

Business acumen: Leaders must also possess strong business skills, including financial management, strategic planning, and marketing.

Collaborative mindset: Successful leaders must be able to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, both within and outside their organization, to ensure that patients receive high-quality care across care settings.

Data-driven decision-making: Leaders must be able to use data to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions that drive better patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Commitment to continuous improvement: Effective leaders must be committed to ongoing learning and continuous improvement, staying abreast of the latest trends and best practices in post-acute care.