Continuity of Care
This module provides structured policies and procedures to support smooth, safe, and ethically sound management of clients throughout all stages of care. It includes guidance on clinician leave, transitions, client re-engagement, lapsed clients, discharge, file closure, and the management of care when a client passes away. Practical templates and flowcharts complement these policies, helping clinicians, administrative staff, and supervisors navigate common questions and ensure consistent practice-wide processes.
Continuity of care is essential for client safety, predictability, and therapeutic containment. These documents provide a concrete framework for clinicians during periods of change, whether a clinician is on leave, concluding with the practice, or when clients are transitioning between services. They ensure clients, referrers, and GPs are clear about what to expect, timelines, and responsibilities, supporting strong clinical governance and maintaining trust.
By formalising these processes, practices can reduce confusion, provide reassurance to clients, and streamline internal workflows. The module also assists with Medicare reporting requirements and aligns with ethical obligations under the AHPRA Code of Conduct (2025 release) and APS Code of Ethics, supporting both clinician accountability and high-quality client care.
Included resources:
- Re-engaging and Transferring Clients policy and procedure
- No contact/Lapsed Clients policy and procedure
- Clinician Leave and Termination policy and procedure (Caseload Management)
- Discharging Clients policy and procedure Discharge
- Procedure for a Client Declining Services
- Death of a Client policy and procedure
- File Closure policy and procedure
- Correspondence templates for notifying clients of clinician leave or concluding work at the practice
- Correspondence templates on following up with lapsed clients
