What is the process called when patients are linked with appropriate outreach services?

The process of linking patients with appropriate outreach services is best described as service linkage. This term specifically refers to the systematic approach of connecting individuals to various resources and services that can address their health and social needs. Service linkage typically involves evaluating a patient's situation, identifying the necessary services required, and facilitating the connection between the patient and those services.

In the context of community paramedicine, effective service linkage is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the support they need, especially if they have chronic illnesses or are at risk of hospitalization. This approach not only improves health outcomes but also helps in managing resources efficiently and enhancing the overall quality of care provided to the community.

While care coordination and patient referral can sometimes overlap with service linkage, they have distinct meanings. Care coordination generally encompasses a broader range of activities aimed at managing a patient's overall care and ensuring that all aspects of their health are addressed, rather than solely focusing on linking them to specific services. Patient referral traditionally implies directing patients to a particular specialist or service provider but may not include the comprehensive assessment and outreach aspect that service linkage emphasizes.

Resource allocation, while relevant to ensuring that services are available, does not describe the act of linking patients to those services. It primarily involves the distribution of available resources rather than the connection process