What does the medical term turfing mean?

In a medical context, "turfing" refers to the practice where healthcare providers transfer a patient to another provider or facility, often to avoid responsibility for their care. This can occur when a provider feels that they are unable to adequately address a patient's needs or when they believe that another provider is better suited to handle the case. Turfing can lead to fragmented care and may negatively impact patient outcomes. It is often viewed negatively, as it can reflect issues within the healthcare system, such as inadequate resources or communication.