Authors

1. Van Cleave, Janet H. PhD, RN
2. Trotta, Rebecca L. PhD, RN
3. Lysaght, Susan PhD, RN
4. Steis, Melinda R. PhD, RN
5. Lorenz, Rebecca A. PhD, RN
6. Naylor, Mary D. PhD, RN

Abstract

The growing number of individuals with comorbidities experiencing care transitions represents a challenge to the current health care system. A qualitative study of empirical literature, using the Dimensional Analysis approach, was conducted to elucidate the theoretical underpinnings of the phenomenon of individuals with comorbidities undergoing care transitions. The findings were arranged in a novel schematic demonstrating that the relationship among individual attributes, comorbidities, and care processes informed the individual's risk for adverse outcomes. This schematic is useful for future nursing research studies evaluating innovative programs implemented to improve health outcomes among vulnerable populations undergoing care transitions.