Hospital Case Management – September 1, 2021
September 1, 2021
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Hospitals and Case Managers Need More — and Better — Disaster Planning
The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent crises have shown the need for improved disaster planning. Disaster plans should be clear, well-defined, and ready to implement before a crisis even strikes. This includes preparation for surge, triage, and crisis standards of care as well as skills training for case managers and other health professionals. -
Ways Case Managers Can Improve Disaster Planning
Effective disaster planning requires improved annual preparedness training, better focus on patient transition, more emphasis on rehabilitation after discharge, strengthened teams, and transitions of care contingencies.
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Include Staff Mental Health in Disaster Plan
Mental health needs increase following a disaster. This is true of healthcare professionals as well as disaster victims. Disasters can increase burnout and stress in healthcare providers.
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Learn Best Practices for Conflict Management
One of the most important tactics case management leaders can learn and teach their staff is how to resolve interpersonal conflicts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, case managers and other healthcare professionals have seen a rise in stress and tension at work. This can lead to more conflicts between employees and managers.
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Some Case Management Conflicts Can Be Tricky
There are times when best practices and calming techniques might not work in resolving conflicts involving case managers. These situations are trickier and more complex because of behavioral issues or the people involved. When this occurs, case management leaders need to be more proactive and take charge of the situation.
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Half of Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities Use Care Integration Activities, Study Shows
A major point of vulnerability at skilled nursing facilities is the high rate of readmission caused by errors and gaps in care — usually involving medication issues, according to the results of a recent study.
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New Tool Helps Administrators Evaluate Patients’ Need for Care Coordination
Researchers developed a new tool, the Special Intensity Score, that healthcare administrators can use to determine a patient’s need for care coordination across multiple specialist doctors. It also helps with evaluation of care coordination practices.
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Improving Case Manager Workforce Development
Case managers need to be solidly acquainted with the financial aspects and sustainability of health systems. This comes with a steep learning curve due to state and federal rules and regulations that encompass healthcare. New case managers would be better served if they had a clearer picture of what would be expected of them before stepping into the role.
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Social Work and Social Determinants of Health Interventions
Case managers assess and consider social determinants of health from the moment a patient enters the hospital. That consideration continues throughout the stay and discharge process. When these go unnoticed or unaddressed, the quality of care declines.