Järgitavust

Järgitavust is an Estonian term describing a set of aftercare services designed to support individuals following an initial intervention, such as hospital discharge, completion of a rehabilitation program, or a social welfare service. The aim is to ensure continuity of care, prevent deterioration, and promote independence. Järgitavust typically includes planning and coordination of ongoing care, follow-up contacts, home visits when needed, medication management, rehabilitation activities, mental health support, and assistance with daily living tasks or social reintegration. It is often delivered by a multidisciplinary team including physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, and user organizations, and may involve primary care clinics, municipal health centers, or home care services.

Delivery models vary but commonly involve discharge planning, case management, and scheduled follow-up visits or telehealth contacts. Funding and regulation are tied to national or municipal health and social care systems; in many contexts järgitavust is funded from public health budgets or social welfare programs and may be supplemented by private insurance or NGO support.

Over several years, emphasis has grown on transitional care to reduce hospital readmissions and support patient-centered outcomes. Challenges include coordinating across services, ensuring accessibility, and maintaining data exchange. Proponents argue järgitavust improves quality of life and independence for service users, while requiring effective governance and adequate resources.

See also: aftercare, discharge planning, transitional care, case management.