Closed-Loop Care Coordination Checklist

Use this checklist to review one recurring coordination workflow.

For training and workflow-design purposes, use fictional or appropriately protected information. Do not enter names, health details or other sensitive personal information on this webpage.

1. Define the event

  • Name the workflow.
  • Identify what triggers it.
  • Describe the specific need, request or change.
  • Define what successful closure means.
  • Separate emergencies from routine coordination.

2. Identify the people and permissions

  • Name the person or role that owns the first action.
  • Name the receiving person or organization.
  • Confirm what information may be shared and through which channel.
  • Record the person’s goals, choices and communication needs when relevant.
  • Identify who must receive the final update.

3. Set the handoff requirements

Minimum information required
Record the information another person needs to act.
Approved communication method
Identify the appropriate channel.
Acknowledgment expectation
Set the expected response time.
Completion expectation
Define the intended completion time.
Evidence of completion
Describe the observable result.

4. Define the statuses

Suggested workflow statuses
Status Definition
New The need is recorded but not assigned.
Assigned An owner is responsible for the next action.
Sent The request was transmitted; acceptance is not confirmed.
Acknowledged The receiver confirmed receipt and responsibility.
In progress Work started but the outcome is not final.
Blocked A dependency prevents progress and an escalation owner is named.
Completed The defined action occurred and the outcome was recorded.
Closed Required follow-up and notification are complete.

Remove statuses the workflow does not need. Define each remaining status so people use it consistently.

5. Design the escalation

  • What condition triggers escalation?
  • Who receives the escalation?
  • Who owns it if the first person is unavailable?
  • What happens outside normal working hours?
  • Which events follow emergency procedures instead?

6. Record the outcome

Use a factual closure note:

Date/time → action taken → result → person notified → next step

7. Test the loop

  • Walk through one ordinary example.
  • Test a missing-information scenario.
  • Test a declined or unavailable service.
  • Test an overdue acknowledgment.
  • Test what happens when the primary owner is absent.
  • Confirm that completion and closure are not treated as the same state.

8. Review after 30 days

  • How many items had no named owner?
  • Which step created the most delay?
  • Which items remained blocked?
  • Were outcomes understandable to the next authorized person?
  • Did staff create workarounds outside the approved process?
  • What is the one change to test next month?

Important: This checklist provides general educational and operational information. It is not medical, legal, compliance or emergency advice.