The funeral and other death rituals across various cultures and religions play not only critical roles in spirituality for the deceased but also play key roles in mental and emotional adjustment to the loss for the family and living. Funerals for many help them acknowledge the loss and receive support and love from family and friends. This is critical in adjustment. Although it is the first step in a long journey, it does help individuals find some type of recognition of the loss itself.
Please also review AIHCP’s Funeral Associate Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. Also, please review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification. Both programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking certification to enhance a career.
Stress and stressors erode a person’s ability to cope with life, whether in the workplace, school, home, or with family or friends. Stressors ignite within the human person a stress response to face danger. The Sympathetic Nervous System within the body prepares the body from a physiological standpoint to physically withstand the danger or stressors by fueling the body cortisol and adrenalines to overcome the situation. If the human body or any organism for that matter is overcame by the stressor, then weakness and possible disease and shock can occur. Only when the body or organism is able to overcome the stressor is it able to again return to normal functioning.
When a stressor overtakes a person or organism, then the person is no longer able to cope. The Sense of Coherence when exhibited illustrates an individual who can overcome a stressor
In most stress research, disease and weakening of the organism via poor health is viewed through the lens of pathogenesis and the reasons why individuals become sick, ill or die. Obviously stress can play a key role in that. With chronic influxes of cortisol, the blood pressure, constriction of vessels, and higher tension on the heart can have life altering affects on the body. However, there is another angle to explore in regards to the body’s over health and its reaction to stress. Aaron Antonovsky (1923-1994) reviewed how health and disease are not dichotomy of two states but a continuous variable based on health and coping. This includes various holistic approaches as well as diet, exercise and life views that help individuals maintain health. Antonovksy’s famous concept of salutogenesis looks and focuses more so on the factors and practices that promote health instead of what destroys health. Stemming from the Greek “salus” meaning health and “genesis” meaning origin, salutogenesis looks to maintain health by healthy practices and healthy origins itself.
In regards to stress and loss, this has great implications. Many individuals under stress or loss are unable to maintain physical, mental and emotional health and can fall prey to the stressor. As noted the stress kills and an inability to better cope with stress in a healthy way can be detrimental long term to one’s health. Hence Atonovksy looks the concept of coherence as gold mark of individuals who maintain a stronger mental and emotional health in responding to loss or a stressor. These types of individuals are far better equipped to cope with stress in the forms of loss, death, job loss, problems, crisis, or any bump in the road. The resiliency of those who display coherence is stronger than those who do not.
Sense of Coherence
So what is coherence? The Sense of Coherence forms a theoretical framework for how a person responds to stress and plays a key role in one’s ability to respond to it. In Atonovsky’s work, “Unraveling the Mystery of Health, Antonovsky lists the key elements of the Sense of Coherence. He states,
“a global orientation that expresses the extent to which one has a pervasive, enduring though dynamic feeling of confidence that the stimuli deriving from one’s internal and external environments in the course of living are structured, predictable and explicable; the resources are available to one to meet the demands posed by these stimuli; and (3) these demands are challenges, worthy of investment and engagement.”
Within this, one can see three key elements to coherence. First the person has comprehension of the situation. The person has an understanding of what is occurring and the person is able to predict and understand the outcomes. This understanding lays the foundation for the individual to better able to cope. One can imagine when this foundation ceases to exist. When something so so shocking, so traumatic and so meaningless occurs it shocks the system of a person. It gives the person no rationale or direction to resolve the issue. This is why it is so common in traumatic loss or witnessing senseless destruction that PTSD often occurs and the individual is unable to properly process the event.
The second element is manageability. If a person has the experience and tools to properly cope with the stressor, then the individual has a better chance to overcome it. Having control in the chaos is so important. Antonovsky in his work, “Health, Stress and Coping” coined the term generalized resistant resources to illustrate resources and tools an individual has to overcome stress and loss. If these resources were not available, no matter the Sense of Coherence, a person would fall to the stressor or loss due to lack of these resources. When lacking, the term generalized resistant deficit was employed. A good example of this would be applicable to a person who lost his or her home in a fire. An individual with little income or support systems lacks any resources to face the stressor, while a wealthy individuals with resources, insurance, funds and good friends will more than likely survive the stress and loss.
Finally, Antonovsky pointed to the importance of everything in life has meaning and purpose. The good and the bad occur, but there is an overall sense of understanding and purpose. Individuals who are not anchored by a world view, whether spiritual or practical, can sometimes float in life and lose purpose and guidance when bad things occur. Having a sense of meaning helps individuals anchor one self in loss and stress and find orientation and purpose.
Hence, comprehensibility of the stress, loss or moment, manageability of the stress, loss or moment and meaningfulness of the stress, loss or moment, are critical to a Sense of Coherence and the ability of the person or organism to maintain health and resilience against stress or loss. In times of crisis, pandemic, or war at the social level or at times of personal distress or severe trauma on the person, individuals who display a Sense of Coherence are better equipped to excel and survive during bad times.
Conclusion
Salutogenesis sees health as more than an absence of disease. Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Program
A person or organism that is able to adjust and react due to experience, manageability and understanding of a given crisis, loss or stressor has a greater ability to respond in a healthy fashion. A healthy emotional and mental mindset can better prepare a person for crisis and loss. This does not mean a person will not feel the effects of a loss, but it does point to the probability of healthier and normal outcomes or resiliency. Antonovksy’s ideas and theories are important for a better understanding of stress management as well as grief and loss trajectories.
Within Stress Management, his ideals point to how one can better handle stressful situations and find resiliency. In grief counseling, it can help grief counselors better predict grief and loss trajectories of individuals and who may be more likely for a complicated grief reaction.
Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Certification as well as AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if they meet your academic and professional goals. The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
Hege Forbech Vinje, Eva Langeland, and Torill Bull. (2016). “Aaron Antonovsky’s Development of Salutogenesis, 1979 to 1994″. The Handbook of Salutogenesis [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. Access here
Monica Eriksson and Bengt Lindström. (2006). “Antonovsky’s sense of coherence scale and the relation with health: a systematic review”. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2006 May; 60(5): 376–381. National Library of Medicine. Access here
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the landscape of case management across various sectors, particularly in healthcare. As the world transitions from emergency protocols to a new normal, case management practices have adapted to incorporate technological advancements, address the long-term impacts of COVID-19, and meet the evolving needs of affected populations. This article explores the significant shifts and ongoing developments in case management as a response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Like most of the world, case management had to adjust and change to the demands of managing patients with covid.
Also, please review AIHCP’s Case Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.
Key Takeaways
Case management has transitioned from emergency protocols, reinstating face-to-face requirements and documenting post-emergency procedures, while adjusting to the end of remote case management.
The impact of COVID-19 on case management practices includes adaptations in healthcare infrastructure, challenges in post-acute care coordination, and decentralization of follow-up care to primary healthcare centers.
Technological advancements have led to the integration of virtual case management, the adoption of case management software across diverse industries, and improved remote collaboration and workflow management.
Post-COVID conditions require specialized case management strategies, adherence to CDC guidelines, and proactive management of potential workplace exposures.
The role of case management aides has been crucial in pandemic response, with support planning for COVID-19 affected populations emphasizing person-centered and informed choice protocols.
Transition from Emergency Protocols to Standard Case Management
Reinstating Face-to-Face Requirements
With the expiration of the temporary COVID-19 policy, case management visits that were previously conducted remotely now require in-person interaction. Lead agencies must meet minimum face-to-face requirements to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of case management services. This reinstatement necessitates a review of protocols to ensure that case managers are equipped to safely and effectively conduct these visits.
Documenting Post-Emergency Procedures
The transition period requires meticulous documentation to capture the shift from emergency protocols to standard operations. Case managers should note “COVID-19 Emergency Protocol” at the top of case notes to document required visits during the emergency period. As standard procedures resume, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines for documenting case management activities to maintain a high standard of care and accountability.
Adjusting to the End of Remote Case Management
The end of remote case management presents both challenges and opportunities for case managers. Adapting to the post-emergency environment involves streamlining patient flow and enhancing operational efficiency. Implementing a well-structured case management program can enhance care coordination, streamline transitions, boost patient outcomes, and increase revenues. It is essential to provide case managers with the necessary tools and training to navigate these changes successfully.
As case management transitions back to standard practices, it is imperative to ensure that all procedures align with the latest health and safety guidelines, and that case managers are supported throughout this change.
Impact of COVID-19 on Case Management Practices
Adaptations in Healthcare Infrastructure
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adaptations in healthcare infrastructure to accommodate the surge in cases and the need for remote care. Case management software became a pivotal tool, facilitating the transition to virtual environments and supporting the continuity of care. The integration of such software across healthcare systems was crucial in managing patient outcomes and streamlining processes.
Increased use of telehealth services
Adoption of remote monitoring technologies
Expansion of case management roles to include tele-case management
Challenges in Post-Acute Care Coordination
Post-acute care coordination faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. The devastating impact on Medicare beneficiaries in nursing homes highlighted the need for robust case management practices. Barriers such as reduced availability of medicines and interruptions in community outreach services underscored the importance of effective coordination and resource allocation.
Ensuring continuity of care for discharged patients
Addressing shortages in medical supplies and medications
Adapting to reduced in-person healthcare services
Decentralization of Follow-up to Primary Healthcare Centers
Decentralization emerged as a strategy to alleviate the burden on hospitals by shifting follow-up care to primary healthcare centers. This approach aimed to provide more localized and accessible care, but also introduced complexities in case management, requiring enhanced collaboration and communication across different levels of healthcare provision.
Streamlining referral processes
Implementing community-based follow-up care
Integrating primary care with case management functions
The transition from emergency protocols to standard case management post-COVID-19 is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of healthcare systems worldwide.
Technological Advancements in Case Management
Integration of Virtual Case Management
The case management software market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing need for integrated healthcare systems and the rising demand for virtual case management. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digitalization and cloud-based solutions, enabling seamless communication and teamwork in a distributed work environment.
Case Management Software in Diverse Industries
While healthcare remains a key adopter, the applications of case management software are expanding into other industries. Legal workflow management systems and insurance companies are leveraging these technologies for growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of remote collaboration capabilities, with software facilitating seamless operations across various sectors.
Remote Collaboration and Workflow Management
Remote monitoring became a staple during covid and will remain a new technological tool in management of infectious disease
Market players are actively pursuing innovation through mergers and acquisitions, focusing on mobile-friendly and cloud-based solutions. These advancements support remote collaboration and workflow management, ensuring that case management software meets the evolving needs of customers in diverse industries. The market’s growth is geographically distributed, reflecting a broad and inclusive adoption trend.
The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning is set to automate case management further and provide predictive insights, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of case management practices.
Post-COVID Conditions and Case Management
Long-term Health Effects and Care Strategies
The emergence of post-COVID conditions, often referred to as ‘long COVID’, has necessitated the development of comprehensive care strategies. Primary care providers are now pivotal in managing these conditions, which can persist for months and encompass a range of symptoms affecting various organ systems. A multidisciplinary approach, including physical, psychological, and social support, is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.
CDC Guidelines and Case Management Implications
The CDC has outlined a series of guidelines to assist healthcare providers in managing post-COVID conditions. These include patient-centered approaches and a thorough understanding of potential workplace exposures. Case managers play a crucial role in interpreting these guidelines and coordinating care across different healthcare settings.
Managing Potential Workplace Exposures
Healthcare workers face the challenge of potential workplace exposures to COVID-19. Effective case management involves not only addressing these risks but also ensuring that staff are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to manage their health proactively. This includes regular testing, adherence to infection control protocols, and pandemic planning scenarios.
It is imperative that case management protocols are adapted to include considerations for post-COVID conditions, ensuring that both patients and healthcare workers receive the support they need in the evolving landscape of the pandemic.
Case Management Aides and Support Planning
Role of Case Management Aides in Pandemic Response
Case management aides have been pivotal in the pandemic response, providing essential support to case managers and clients alike. Their role often includes assisting with documentation, coordinating services, and ensuring continuity of care. During the COVID-19 crisis, aides adapted to new protocols and played a key role in facilitating telehealth services.
Guide to support a person with a residential service termination notice
Support Planning for COVID-19 Affected Populations
Support planning for populations affected by COVID-19 requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. Case managers utilize a variety of tools and resources, including person-centered planning and informed choice protocols, to ensure that individuals receive tailored support that aligns with their goals and preferences.
Person-Centered, Informed Choice and Transition Protocol
Person-Centered and Informed Choice Protocols
In the wake of the pandemic, the emphasis on person-centered and informed choice protocols has intensified. These protocols ensure that individuals are at the heart of the decision-making process regarding their care, promoting autonomy and respect for their choices. Adherence to these protocols is crucial for achieving positive outcomes and maintaining trust between clients and case management professionals.
Highlights from the web:
The Minnesota Olmstead Plan and the Person-Centered and Informed Choice Transition Protocol
Guide to encouraging informed choice and discussing risk
Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives on Pandemic Response
There were numerous challenges that case managers had to face during covid
Barriers and Enablers to Effective Case Management
Healthcare workers (HCWs) faced a myriad of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which also brought to light several enablers that facilitated case management. HCWs’ perceptions often differed from quantitative data, suggesting complexities in service utilization trends over time. Discrepancies may arise from factors such as recall bias and the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery during a crisis.
Healthcare Workers’ Insights on Service Delivery
The insights from HCWs revealed significant decreases in maternal, newborn, and child health services, attributed to various factors including fear of infection and resource shortages. The decentralization of follow-up to Primary Healthcare Centers emerged as a key facilitator, aligning with literature that supports effective disease management at these centers.
Community Health Seeking Behaviors During COVID-19
Qualitative interviews with HCWs highlighted changes in community health-seeking behaviors. The pandemic’s onset saw a shift in patient preferences and practices, with many opting for decentralized healthcare options when available. This shift underscores the importance of adaptable and responsive healthcare systems.
The perspectives of healthcare workers are invaluable in understanding the intricacies of pandemic response and the evolution of case management practices.
Social Determinants of Health in COVID-19 Case Management
Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Health Outcomes
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the profound impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes. Disparities in infection rates, access to healthcare, and mortality have been observed across different socioeconomic groups. For instance, there was greater intra-domiciliary transmission among immigrants, likely related to the conditions of the home and situation of social vulnerability.
Addressing Social Needs in Case Management
Case managers have had to adapt to the complex social needs exacerbated by the pandemic. This includes identifying and addressing barriers to care such as housing instability, food insecurity, and unemployment. Effective case management during COVID-19 requires a holistic approach that considers these social determinants.
Strategies for Equitable Health Service Utilization
To ensure equitable health service utilization, strategies must be developed to overcome systemic barriers. This includes creating targeted outreach programs, enhancing community partnerships, and leveraging technology to reach underserved populations. The study by L\u00f3pez-G\u00fcell, Prats-Uribe, Catala, et al., evaluated the impact of COVID-19 certification mandates on case incidence and hospital admissions across different socioeconomic strata, providing insights into effective policy measures.
It is essential to integrate social determinants of health into case management frameworks to achieve better health outcomes and reduce inequalities.
Challenges and Recommendations for Remote Case Management
Identifying and Overcoming Remote Management Hurdles
The shift to remote case management has introduced a spectrum of hurdles, from technological barriers to communication breakdowns. Demand for virtual case management has surged, necessitating robust software that supports seamless communication and teamwork, particularly in a distributed work environment. Key challenges include ensuring data security, maintaining client confidentiality, and providing equitable access to technology for all clients.
Best Practices for Remote Case Management
To address these challenges, best practices have emerged. These include leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate processes and provide predictive insights, as well as developing mobile-friendly and cloud-based solutions for enhanced remote access and collaboration. Additionally, forming partnerships and integrations with complementary software solutions can offer more comprehensive services.
Recommendations from Global Health Organizations
Global health organizations have underscored the importance of cloud adoption, which has accelerated remote accessibility and been a game-changer in the case management software market. Recommendations focus on continuous training for case managers in digital competencies and the adoption of international standards for remote case management to ensure quality and consistency across the board.
The transition to remote case management requires a strategic approach that balances technological innovation with the human touch of traditional case management practices.
Pediatric Case Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Policy Adjustments for Pediatric Populations
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant policy adjustments to ensure the continuity of pediatric case management. The suspension of in-person case management visits was one such change, allowing case managers to utilize phone or video communication. With the end of the public health emergency, agencies are now reverting to pre-pandemic protocols, which include face-to-face interactions.
Impact on Pediatric Health and Wellness
Pediatric health and wellness have been notably affected by the pandemic. There has been a decrease in primary and preventive services among children on Medicaid, particularly in the 0-5 age group. This decline in healthcare utilization may contribute to long-term health implications for this vulnerable population.
Case Management Strategies for Younger Patients
Developing effective case management strategies for younger patients has been crucial. These strategies must address the unique needs of children and their families, ensuring timely review and communication of clinic outcomes. Interventions during the pandemic have highlighted the importance of flexible and adaptive case management practices to support pediatric populations.
It is essential to recognize the role of social determinants in pediatric case management during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they significantly influence health outcomes.
Research and Resources for COVID-19 Case Management
Latest Findings in COVID-19 Case Management
The landscape of COVID-19 case management is continually evolving, with new research shedding light on effective strategies and outcomes. Key findings emphasize the importance of integrating real-time data analytics to track and predict patient needs, ensuring that case management can be proactive rather than reactive. Recent studies highlight the role of telehealth in maintaining continuity of care, especially for patients with long-term effects of COVID-19, known as ‘Long COVID’.
Real-time data analytics
Telehealth and continuity of care
Management of ‘Long COVID’
Essential Resources for Case Managers
Case managers have access to a plethora of resources designed to support their work during the pandemic. The CDC offers comprehensive guidance on topics such as Post-COVID Conditions, Potential Exposure at Work, and Pandemic Planning Scenarios. Additionally, tools like COVIDTracer and COVIDTracer Advanced are instrumental in contact tracing and exposure assessment.
CDC guidance and tools
Contact tracing resources
Exposure assessment tools
Standards of Practice and Professional Development
To maintain high standards of practice, case managers are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development. Resources for training and certification, such as those provided by the AIHCP, ensure that case managers are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. The evolving nature of the pandemic necessitates a commitment to learning and adaptation, with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
Training and certification
Commitment to learning
Focus on improving patient outcomes
It is imperative for case managers to stay abreast of the latest research and utilize available resources to deliver the highest quality of care in these unprecedented times.
Conclusion
There were numerous challenges that case managers had to face during covid
The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably transformed the landscape of case management across various sectors, with a pronounced impact on healthcare systems worldwide. The exigencies of the pandemic necessitated a swift pivot to remote case management, leveraging technology to maintain continuity of care amidst unprecedented challenges. This transition, while initially a response to emergency protocols, has revealed both the potential and the limitations of virtual case management. As we move forward, it is imperative to integrate the lessons learned into a more resilient and adaptable case management framework. This includes addressing the nuances of face-to-face requirements, optimizing healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring comprehensive post-care for patients. The evolution of case management software and the decentralization of follow-up care to primary healthcare centers are indicative of a broader shift towards more accessible and efficient case management systems. However, the need for rigorous research, standardized protocols, and equitable resource allocation remains critical to support the ongoing demands of population health and to prepare for future public health emergencies.
Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification and see if it meets your professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a case manager in health care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the face-to-face requirements for case management post COVID-19?
As of November 1, 2023, lead agencies must reinstate face-to-face case management visits, as the temporary COVID-19 policy allowing for remote visits has expired.
How should case managers document visits after the emergency protocols end?
Case managers should no longer note ‘COVID-19 Emergency Protocol’ at the top of case notes and should document visits according to standard procedures.
What changes have occurred in healthcare infrastructure due to COVID-19?
COVID-19 has led to adaptations such as the decentralization of follow-up to Primary Healthcare Centers and the integration of virtual case management systems.
What is the role of case management aides during the pandemic?
Case management aides have played a crucial role in pandemic response by assisting with support planning and ensuring continuity of care for affected populations.
How has pediatric case management adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Pediatric case management has seen policy adjustments to address the specific health and wellness needs of younger patients, including changes to health service utilization.
What are some of the challenges faced in remote case management during COVID-19?
Challenges include identifying and overcoming hurdles in remote management, such as technology adoption, maintaining communication, and ensuring comprehensive care.
What are the social determinants of health that affect COVID-19 case management?
Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and housing conditions have influenced health outcomes and necessitated tailored case management strategies.
Where can case managers find the latest research and resources for COVID-19 case management?
Case managers can consult the DHS Case Manager and Care Coordinator Toolkit, scientific publications, and resources from global health organizations for up-to-date information.
Additional Resources
Hussein M. Tahan, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Essential Case Management Practices Amidst the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Crisis: Part 1”. Prof Case Manag. 2020 Jun 15 : 10.1097/NCM.0000000000000454. National library of Medicine. Access here
Baker, M. et, al. “Case Management on the Front Lines of COVID-19: The Importance of the Individualized Care Plan Across Care Settings”. Professional Case Management. 2021 Mar-Apr;26(2):62-69. doi: 10.1097/NCM.0000000000000484. National Library of Medicine. Access here
Treating COVID-19 at home: Care tips for you and others. Mayo Clinic. Access here
Witter, S. et, al. “Learning from implementation of a COVID case management desk guide and training: a pilot study in Sierra Leone”. BMC Health Serv Res. 2023; 23: 1026. National Library of Medicine. Access here
Writing about our feelings is an important way to express in a positive and healthy way. Within CBT it has numerous effects in helping the person reframe and identify troublesome emotions and behaviors. It allows one to express but also cognitively review and respond to the self.
Instead of maladaptive coping, journaling helps the individual express without hurting oneself with damaging practices that lead to worst grief responses. It grants the person privacy in expression but also grants the person control. The person controls what is written as long within the confines of where the person writes, the person is able to safely release the pain in a positive way.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.
The case manager role in health care quality improvement
Case Managers play a key role in qualify care. Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification
The role of a case manager is pivotal in the health care industry, serving as a bridge between patients, health care services, and quality improvement initiatives. Case managers assess client needs, develop personalized care plans, and ensure that patients receive coordinated and efficient care. As the health care landscape evolves, case managers face new challenges and opportunities for career advancement. This article explores the multifaceted role of case managers in enhancing health care quality and the various dimensions that define their impact on patient outcomes and system efficiency.
Please also review The American Academy of Case Management’s Health Care Case Management Program for qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Case Management.
Key Takeaways
Case managers play a critical role in assessing client needs, developing care plans, and monitoring patient outcomes to drive quality improvement in health care.
The evolution of case management has led to specialized roles such as Digital Health Case Managers and Integrated Care Managers, reflecting the field’s adaptation to technological advances and holistic care approaches.
Implementing case management programs presents challenges like resource scarcity and the need for cross-discipline coordination, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and effective leadership.
Case managers often intersect with legal advocacy, ensuring patient rights and serving as mediators in health care disputes, highlighting their role in comprehensive patient care coordination.
Future directions in case management include embracing technological innovations, expanding behavioral health roles, and preparing for the growing demand for integrated care management.
Understanding the Case Manager’s Role in Quality Improvement
Assessing Client Needs and Developing Care Plans
The case manager’s initial step in quality improvement is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s post-acute care needs, which includes evaluating functional status, cognitive abilities, support systems, and potential barriers to care. This assessment forms the foundation for developing a personalized care plan, tailored to the patient’s unique situation and goals.
The collaborative process involves key stakeholders such as healthcare providers, family members, and legal support, ensuring that the care plan is holistic and encompasses all aspects of the patient’s well-being.
Following the assessment, the case manager coordinates with an interdisciplinary team to create a care plan that addresses the patient’s needs, goals, and measurable outcomes. This plan is proactive and designed to ensure safe and effective discharge options are established.
Integrate services across providers to close care gaps
Empower clients to actively manage their health
Effective communication and documentation are crucial, as the discharge plan must be clearly conveyed to all members of the healthcare team, including the patient or their decision maker.
Monitoring Progress and Outcomes
In the realm of health care quality improvement, case managers play a pivotal role in monitoring patient progress and outcomes. This involves the meticulous tracking of key indicators and milestones, which are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of care plans and interventions. The data collected serves as a foundation for making informed decisions and necessary adjustments to treatment strategies.
Regular assessment of patient status
Adjustment of care plans based on progress
Coordination with interdisciplinary teams
Case managers ensure that the care provided aligns with the patient’s evolving needs and health objectives. By continuously assessing progress, they facilitate a dynamic approach to care that can respond to changes in a patient’s condition.
The use of technology and data analytics has become increasingly important in this process. It allows for a more efficient evaluation of outcomes, reduces administrative tasks, and enhances overall productivity. Moreover, the integration of evidence-based strategies ensures that the care solutions are not only effective but also tailored to the client’s specific needs.
Navigating Systems of Care and Accessing Resources
Case managers play a pivotal role in navigating complex healthcare systems to ensure that clients receive the comprehensive care they need. This involves a multi-step process that begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s situation and the identification of appropriate services and resources.
Assess the patient’s case and available services and resources.
Identify key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, family members, and legal support.
Create a personalized care plan centered around the patient’s needs, goals, and measurable outcomes.
Coordinate services with healthcare providers, social workers, legal teams, and others while advocating for the patient.
Case managers must adeptly coordinate care across various settings, often acting as a bridge between medical professionals, social services, and the patients themselves. Their expertise in accessing resources can significantly reduce care gaps and improve patient outcomes.
The ability to prioritize cases based on urgency and importance is crucial, as is empowering clients to take an active role in their own care management. This not only enhances the effectiveness of the care provided but also fosters a sense of autonomy and motivation within clients to manage their health more proactively.
The Evolution of Case Management in Healthcare
Specialized Roles and Titles in Case Management
The landscape of case management in healthcare is marked by an array of specialized roles, each tailored to meet the unique demands of different patient populations and healthcare settings. Specialized roles include hospital case manager, home health case manager, health insurance case manager, and rehabilitation case manager, reflecting the varied environments in which case managers operate.
The hierarchy of case manager job titles illustrates the progression and specialization within the field:
CASE MANAGER TRAINEE
Case Worker Assistant
Support Coordinator
Junior Case Manager
CASE MANAGER
Case Worker
Case Coordinator
Program Coordinator
SENIOR CASE MANAGER
Lead Case Manager
Clinical Case Manager
Case Management Specialist
CASE MANAGEMENT SUPERVISOR
Case Management Team Lead
Program Manager
Health Services Manager
DIRECTOR OF CASE MANAGEMENT
VP of Case Management
Head of Patient Services
Chief of Social Work
Each of these roles requires a distinct skill set and offers unique challenges and rewards. As the field of case management continues to evolve, these job titles represent the diverse ways professionals can contribute to the well-being of their clients and the efficiency of their organizations.
The Emergence of Digital Health Case Managers
The healthcare industry is witnessing a significant shift with the emergence of Digital Health Case Managers. These professionals leverage telehealth and digital tools to manage patient care from a distance, reflecting the sector’s adaptation to a more complex healthcare ecosystem. The role of a Digital Health Case Manager is multifaceted, involving the coordination of care through innovative platforms and ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment.
The integration of digital tools in case management has streamlined many processes, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of tasks from scheduling appointments to billing.
With the rise of digital health, case managers are now equipped with advanced systems that support a wide range of functions:
Remote patient monitoring
Electronic health records (EHR) management
Virtual patient engagement
Data-driven decision making
These functions are critical in delivering high-quality care while also addressing the broader focus on mental health and integrated care strategies. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of Digital Health Case Managers will become increasingly vital in ensuring that healthcare services are accessible, efficient, and patient-centered.
Integrating Clinical Knowledge and Case Management
The integration of clinical knowledge into case management is a pivotal development in the evolution of healthcare services. Clinical Case Managers bring a unique blend of medical expertise and care coordination skills to the table, ensuring that patient care is both comprehensive and seamless. They work closely with healthcare providers to address the full spectrum of a patient’s needs, from psychological support to physical health management.
The role of a Clinical Case Manager is multifaceted, involving the assessment of medical or psychological needs and the coordination of clinical interventions. This integration is crucial for managing chronic conditions and complex cases, where a deep understanding of the patient’s clinical situation is essential for effective care planning and advocacy.
The effective collaboration between clinical knowledge and case management leads to improved social and clinical outcomes, enhancing the quality of care provided to diverse patient populations.
The table below outlines the key responsibilities of a Clinical Case Manager:
Responsibility
Description
Needs Assessment
Evaluating patient’s medical and psychological needs.
Care Coordination
Facilitating communication between healthcare providers.
Clinical Interventions
Coordinating appropriate clinical services.
Patient Advocacy
Advocating for healthcare options and services.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of the Clinical Case Manager will remain central to the delivery of patient-centered, culturally competent care. Their expertise in managing complex healthcare scenarios is indispensable for overcoming case management challenges and ensuring the sustainability of quality improvement initiatives.
Challenges in Implementing Case Management Programs
Resource Scarcity and Financial Constraints
Implementing a good case management team should be a priority of any medical facility
In the realm of healthcare, case managers are often confronted with the daunting task of making healthcare resource allocation decisions under the pressure of limited budgets and resources. This challenge is exacerbated in the wake of events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the ethical complexities surrounding the distribution of non-urgent medical interventions.
The allocation of resources in healthcare is a balancing act that requires careful consideration of patient needs, available funds, and the potential impact on quality of care.
Case managers must navigate these financial constraints while striving to maintain high standards of patient care. They are tasked with identifying the most cost-effective interventions without compromising on the quality of service provided to their clients. The following points outline key strategies employed by case managers to address these challenges:
Prioritizing patient care based on urgency and need
Seeking alternative funding sources and partnerships
Implementing cost-saving measures without affecting patient outcomes
Advocating for policy changes that increase resource availability
Coordinating Care Across Multiple Disciplines
Effective case management in healthcare hinges on the ability to coordinate care across various disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach is crucial for closing gaps in care and resolving conflicts that may arise during the delivery of services. Case managers play a pivotal role in this process, acting as the nexus between patients, healthcare providers, and ancillary services.
Prioritizing urgent and important cases
Integrating services across providers
Empowering clients in their care
Case managers must possess strong collaborative skills to work effectively with a diverse team, including healthcare providers, social workers, and legal representatives. This ensures comprehensive care for clients and supports the seamless transition of patients through different stages of healthcare, from preadmission to post-discharge.
Addressing the needs of diverse patient populations requires cultural competency and a patient-centered approach. Case managers are tasked with managing chronic conditions and complex cases, which necessitates a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by each patient.
The role of case managers extends beyond the coordination of clinical services; they are also responsible for maintaining communication channels and collaborating with stakeholders such as nurses, supervisors, and lawyers. This interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for managing multiple cases and tasks effectively.
Ensuring Compliance with Healthcare Regulations
Case managers in healthcare are pivotal in maintaining compliance with a myriad of regulations and standards. They must navigate complex legal requirements set forth by entities such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and state licensing bodies. Adherence to these regulations is critical to ensure the ethical delivery of patient care and to avoid potential financial penalties.
In the realm of data privacy, case managers are responsible for upholding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards. This involves ensuring that electronic health records (EHRs) feature robust access controls, encryption, and comprehensive audit procedures. Training in these areas is essential for case managers to competently handle sensitive patient information and to prevent unauthorized access.
The integration of digital health records into case management has necessitated a heightened focus on data privacy and security measures. Case managers must be well-versed in the technologies that support compliance and patient confidentiality.
Furthermore, medical audits and corrective action plans are integral to the compliance process. These audits help monitor the effectiveness of case management programs and identify areas of non-compliance, which then become the foundation for necessary corrective actions.
The Intersection of Case Management and Legal Advocacy
Advocating for Patient Rights and Services
Case managers serve as vital advocates for patient rights and services, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. They collaborate with healthcare providers, discharge coordinators, and administrative staff to develop policies and programs that support patient education and engagement. This collaborative effort is crucial in enhancing the patient experience and upholding the standards of patient care.
The role of a case manager extends beyond the creation of care plans. They are instrumental in coordinating services with a range of professionals, including healthcare providers, social workers, and legal teams. This coordination is key to advocating effectively for the patient’s needs and rights. Case managers also provide emotional and informational support, empowering patients to understand and assert their rights and options within the healthcare system.
Case managers are committed to quality patient care, maintaining professional accountability, and ensuring adherence to ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. Their advocacy is a cornerstone in the patient’s journey, often advising on the financial implications of care plans and facilitating communication among all members of the care team.
Regular evaluation of disease control, management effectiveness, and the patient’s self-management capabilities is an ongoing responsibility. This holistic approach to patient advocacy ensures that care plans are not only personalized but also dynamic, adapting to the patient’s evolving needs and circumstances.
Legal Considerations in Healthcare Coordination
In the realm of healthcare coordination, case managers are pivotal in navigating the complex web of regulatory and compliance requirements. Ensuring adherence to these standards is not only crucial for the ethical delivery of patient care but also for mitigating the risk of legal repercussions and financial penalties.
Healthcare case managers are governed by a myriad of entities, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), state agencies, and licensing bodies. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) also imposes stringent standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information.
Proper training and continuous monitoring are imperative to ensure that case managers and their programs are in compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory mandates.
Case managers must be adept at coordinating with various stakeholders, such as healthcare providers, family members, and legal teams, to develop personalized care plans that are both patient-centered and legally sound. The following list outlines the critical steps in this process:
Assess the patient’s case, including available services and resources.
Identify key stakeholders involved in the patient’s care.
Create a care plan focused on the patient’s needs, goals, and measurable outcomes.
Coordinate services and advocate for the patient across healthcare providers, social workers, and legal teams.
Furthermore, case managers often interact with multiple agencies and social support organizations, necessitating careful consideration of how health information is shared and safeguarded, especially when dealing with entities not covered by HIPAA.
Case Managers as Mediators in Healthcare Disputes
In the complex landscape of healthcare, case managers often find themselves in the role of mediators, bridging gaps between patients, healthcare providers, and legal entities. Their mediation skills are crucial in resolving conflicts that may arise from misunderstandings, differing expectations, or disputes over treatment plans.
Case managers utilize their unique position to facilitate dialogue and negotiate solutions that prioritize patient welfare while respecting the constraints and perspectives of all parties involved.
The process of mediation in healthcare typically involves several key steps:
Establishing a neutral ground for discussion
Identifying the interests and concerns of each party
Exploring possible resolutions
Aiming for a mutually acceptable agreement
This approach not only helps to prevent litigation but also promotes a collaborative environment conducive to quality patient care. Among the alternative dispute resolution models, mediation has been deemed beneficial to address potential medical malpractice cases, ensuring that the focus remains on the patient’s best interests.
Leadership and Supervision in Case Management
Roles and Responsibilities of Case Management Supervisors
Case Management teams need strong leadership to ensure the highest quality
Case Management Supervisors play a pivotal role in the healthcare quality improvement landscape. They are tasked with overseeing the work of case managers to ensure that client care is both effective and efficient. Their responsibilities extend beyond mere supervision; they are instrumental in maintaining the quality of care and fostering a supportive environment for staff development.
Training and mentorship: Supervisors provide ongoing education and support to case managers, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest best practices in client care.
Quality assurance: They monitor case management activities to guarantee adherence to established standards and protocols.
Operational management: This includes managing resources, coordinating services, and overseeing client files to ensure seamless service delivery.
In their leadership capacity, Case Management Supervisors are also responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of case management programs, which are crucial for the continuous improvement of healthcare services.
The journey to becoming a Case Management Supervisor often involves a progression through various levels of case management roles, each requiring a unique set of skills and offering different challenges. It is a path that demands a deep understanding of both the operational and clinical aspects of case management.
Training and Development for Case Management Teams
In the ever-evolving field of health care, the continuous training and development of case management teams are pivotal. Professional development opportunities are crucial for case managers to stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends. Organizations such as the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) and American Case Management Association (ACMA) offer resources for ongoing education.
Leveraging technology is also integral to enhancing the efficiency of case management. Familiarity with case management software and other digital tools is essential for streamlining workflows and improving client outcomes.
To advance within the field, case managers are encouraged to pursue certifications and specialized training in areas like mental health, substance abuse, or gerontology. This not only demonstrates a commitment to excellence but also opens doors to higher-level positions. The hierarchy of case manager titles reflects the various stages of career advancement:
Case Manager Trainee
Case Worker Assistant
Support Coordinator
Junior Case Manager
Case Manager
Senior Case Manager
Developing leadership and strategic thinking skills is equally important for those looking to move into supervisory roles. As case management continues to grow in complexity, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate this dynamic landscape is on the rise.
Maintaining Quality of Care and Service Standards
In the realm of case management, maintaining quality of care and service standards is a continuous process that involves various strategies and practices. Case managers play a pivotal role in ensuring that healthcare services are not only patient-centered but also adhere to evidence-based care guidelines. This commitment to quality is a vital aspect of healthcare quality improvement, setting benchmarks that align with national standards.
Quality improvement (QI) programs are integral to this process, driving improved patient outcomes, enhancing staff efficiency, and reducing waste from process failures. Case managers contribute to these programs by participating in quality improvement activities, such as interdisciplinary rounds and readmission reviews, which are essential for sustaining high standards of patient care.
The case manager’s dedication to quality is reflected in their professional accountability, which includes maintaining patient privacy, advocating for ethical care, and adhering to legal and regulatory standards.
To illustrate the impact of case managers on quality care, consider the following table that outlines key responsibilities:
Responsibility
Description
Patient Care Facilitation
Facilitates patient care to enhance clinical outcomes and satisfaction.
Quality Improvement Participation
Engages in QI activities to uphold care standards.
Professional Accountability
Ensures ethical and legal compliance in patient care.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Develops positive relationships for holistic care.
Strategies for Quality Improvement Coordination
Analyzing Performance Data and Developing Improvement Plans
In the realm of health care quality improvement, case managers play a pivotal role in analyzing performance data to identify areas for enhancement. The meticulous collection and examination of data underpin the development of robust improvement plans. This process often involves a series of steps, including data collection, performance assessment, and strategic planning for quality advancement.
The synthesis of performance data into actionable insights is crucial for tailoring interventions that address specific quality issues.
To illustrate the process, consider the following table which encapsulates key skills and their relevance to performance improvement:
Skill
Relevance to Performance Improvement (%)
Performance Improvement
7.83%
Quality Improvement
7.31%
Data Collection
6.52%
Patients
5.18%
Patient Safety
4.54%
After identifying the critical areas for improvement, case managers must collaborate with healthcare professionals to implement strategic initiatives. These initiatives are aimed at achieving set goals, such as enhancing patient safety and optimizing care delivery. The use of data visualization tools and dashboard templates can facilitate the monitoring of these initiatives, ensuring that the case management team can track progress and make informed decisions.
Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals for Optimal Outcomes
Effective case management hinges on the ability to collaborate with a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals. This multidisciplinary approach is crucial for closing gaps in care and resolving conflicts that may arise in the delivery of services. By fostering strong interdisciplinary relationships, case managers can ensure that all aspects of a patient’s care are addressed in a cohesive and integrated manner.
Assess the patient’s case and available services and resources.
Identify key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, family members, and legal support.
Create a personalized care plan centered around the patient’s needs, goals, and measurable outcomes.
Coordinate services with healthcare providers, social workers, legal teams, and others while advocating for the patient.
Strong analytical and interpersonal skills are required to navigate the complexities of healthcare systems and to communicate effectively with patients, families, and a diverse team of health professionals. The goal is to streamline processes and enhance patient outcomes through concerted efforts and shared expertise.
Advancement Opportunities for Case Managers in Quality Improvement
Case Managers with aspirations to enhance their careers have several pathways to advance within the realm of quality improvement. Becoming a Quality Improvement Coordinator is a natural progression, as it leverages their expertise in optimizing healthcare services and compliance with regulations. This role demands a strong grasp of data analysis and the development of strategic improvement plans.
For those who excel in empathetic communication and organizational skills, stepping into leadership positions such as Program Managers or Directors is a viable option. These roles require a commitment to professional development and a deep understanding of client-centered advocacy.
To secure a promotion, Case Managers should focus on mastering the competencies that align with the advanced roles they aim to pursue.
The table below outlines potential career advancements for Case Managers in the field of quality improvement:
Current Title
Advanced Role
Key Competencies Required
Case Manager
Quality Improvement Coordinator
Data analysis, process optimization
Case Manager
Program Manager/Director
Leadership, strategic planning
Case Manager
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Clinical knowledge, patient coordination
It is essential for Case Managers to recognize the importance of integrating skills from related career paths, such as clinical supervision or legal advocacy, to broaden their scope and effectiveness in advancing healthcare quality.
Balancing Quality Care with Cost Efficiency
Case Managers balance care and cost. Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Program
Managing Healthcare Costs While Improving Patient Care
In the realm of healthcare, cost containment is a critical strategy that aligns with the dual objectives of maintaining high-quality patient care and managing expenses. Case managers play a pivotal role in this balancing act, as they are tasked with optimizing the use of resources while ensuring that patient outcomes are not compromised.
The challenge lies in the ability to provide comprehensive care without escalating costs, a task that requires innovation and strategic planning.
To achieve this, several approaches have been adopted:
Prioritizing patient needs to allocate resources effectively
Implementing evidence-based practices to reduce unnecessary interventions
Utilizing technology to streamline case management processes
Engaging in preventive care to minimize long-term healthcare expenses
These strategies underscore the importance of a meticulous approach to case management, where every decision is weighed for its impact on both car quality and cost efficiency.
Innovative Approaches to Cost-Effective Case Management
In the pursuit of balancing quality care with cost efficiency, innovative approaches to case management have emerged as a cornerstone for healthcare organizations. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and software has been pivotal in streamlining case management processes, enabling case managers to automate tasks, and enhance collaboration with patients and providers.
Healthcare case management software and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools have revolutionized the way case managers operate. These technologies facilitate tracking, monitoring, and reporting on patient care and outcomes, which in turn can lead to significant cost savings. For example:
Technology
Impact on Case Management
Data Analytics
Reduces administrative tasks
CRM Tools
Improves patient engagement
Automation Software
Increases productivity
By using evidence-based strategies and data analytics, case managers can ensure that care solutions are not only effective but also cost-efficient for the client’s specific needs.
Moreover, the adoption of these technologies has allowed for a more personalized approach to care, which is essential in managing the complexity of patient conditions while keeping an eye on the bottom line. As healthcare continues to evolve, these innovative tools and strategies will be crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between delivering high-quality care and managing healthcare costs.
Evaluating the Impact of Financial Decisions on Quality of Care
In the realm of health care, the delicate balance between cost efficiency and quality care is paramount. Financial decisions have a profound impact on the quality of patient care and must be made with precision and foresight. The role of analytics in financial decision-making is to provide a clear picture of how resources are allocated and how these allocations affect patient outcomes.
Safety: Ensuring that financial decisions do not compromise patient safety.
Effectiveness: Allocating funds to improve clinical outcomes and care delivery.
Access: Maintaining or improving patient access to necessary services.
Patient-Centeredness: Prioritizing investments that enhance the patient experience.
The analytical approach to financial decision-making in healthcare leads to enhanced financial predictability and the effective allocation of resources, which are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
By examining the relationship between financial strategies and their outcomes, healthcare organizations can identify areas for improvement. For instance, investing in quality improvement initiatives can enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency, which in turn can improve hospital star ratings and patient satisfaction. Similarly, streamlining the revenue cycle and implementing value-based pricing models are strategies that align costs with patient outcomes, marking significant steps towards efficient, high-quality service delivery.
Empowering Clients in Their Own Care Management
Motivating Patients to Take Charge of Their Health
Empowering patients to actively participate in their own care management is a cornerstone of effective case management. Case managers play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of ownership among patients over their health outcomes. They utilize a variety of methods to encourage patients to make informed decisions and maintain healthy lifestyle choices. This not only improves adherence to treatment plans but also enhances self-management skills.
By educating patients on their conditions and the importance of self-management, case managers provide the tools necessary for patients to recognize when to seek medical attention and how to effectively manage their conditions.
To achieve this, case managers may:
Coordinate services with healthcare providers and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient care.
Offer emotional and informational support, educating patients about their care plan and rights.
Regularly evaluate the patient’s disease control, management effectiveness, and self-management capabilities.
These efforts contribute to reducing the overall dependence on case management services, as patients become more capable of managing their health independently.
Educational Programs and Resources for Self-Management
Educational programs and resources play a pivotal role in empowering patients to take an active role in their health care. These services enhance adherence to treatment plans and improve self-management skills, enabling patients to better control their recovery and health. By addressing individual needs and promoting knowledge of conditions, patients learn to recognize signs and symptoms that may require professional attention.
Support ongoing member engagement
Educate on conditions and self-management skills
Promote medication adherence
Engage in member-centric discharge planning
Ensure timely initiation of post-discharge services
The integration of educational resources into case management equips patients with the tools necessary to manage their conditions effectively, fostering independence and reducing reliance on healthcare services.
Investment in continuing education for case managers is crucial to keep pace with the evolving landscape of healthcare. Specialized training in areas such as mental health and substance abuse deepens expertise and opens doors to advanced positions, ultimately benefiting patient care.
Reducing Dependence on Case Management Services
In the pursuit of enhancing health care quality, reducing the reliance on case management services is a strategic goal. Empowering clients to become active in their own care management is a critical step towards this objective. By equipping patients with the necessary tools and knowledge, they can effectively manage their health, leading to a reduced need for case management intervention.
The transition to patient self-management requires a multifaceted approach, including the use of technology to monitor progress and the implementation of evidence-based strategies tailored to individual needs.
Efficient use of technology, such as healthcare case management software and CRM tools, streamlines processes and fosters patient autonomy. These advancements support case managers in delivering personalized care while minimizing administrative burdens.
Prioritizing urgent cases
Coordinating integrated care
Leveraging data analytics
These steps ensure that case management resources are allocated effectively, focusing on those who benefit most from direct intervention while fostering independence among other clients.
Integrating Case Management with Other Healthcare Roles
Collaboration with Clinical Supervisors and Program Directors
Effective case management in healthcare hinges on the collaboration between case managers and clinical supervisors. These leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of patient care services, ensuring that case management aligns with the broader goals of the healthcare facility. Clinical supervisors and program directors are instrumental in integrating case management into the overall care delivery system, facilitating a seamless patient experience.
Review and coordinate member cases with Medical Director(s) and Behavior Health Practitioner(s)
Support standards that are consistent with community and nationally recognized evidence-based practice
Work collaboratively with leaders of Utilization Management to address Care Management or Utilization Management concerns
Escalate operational and/or financial concerns as appropriate
The Director of Clinical Services and the Director of Patient Services are key figures in overseeing the delivery of clinical services, including case management. Their role is crucial in ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining the quality and effectiveness of care through strategic planning and staff development.
The synergy between case managers and their supervisors is not just about compliance and quality; it’s also about strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. This involves developing skills to work effectively with a diverse team, including healthcare providers, social workers, and legal representatives, to ensure comprehensive care for clients. The role of a Clinical Case Manager exemplifies this integration, as it requires a blend of clinical knowledge and case management expertise.
The Role of Registered Nurse Case Managers
Registered Nurse Case Managers (RN Case Managers) play a pivotal role in the healthcare system, bridging the gap between patients and the complex network of healthcare services. They specialize in assessing patient needs, planning and coordinating care, and advocating for the best possible outcomes. Their clinical expertise allows them to understand patient conditions deeply, making them invaluable in developing personalized care plans.
Assess patient conditions and needs
Develop and coordinate personalized care plans
Advocate for patients within the healthcare system
RN Case Managers are often the primary point of contact for patients, guiding them through the intricacies of healthcare services and ensuring continuity of care. Their work is critical in preventing hospital readmissions and in facilitating a smooth transition from hospital to home care or other long-term care settings.
The effectiveness of RN Case Managers is evident in their ability to reduce healthcare costs while simultaneously improving patient outcomes. Their dual focus on quality care and cost efficiency exemplifies the core objectives of case management in healthcare.
Cross-Disciplinary Teamwork for Holistic Patient Care
In the realm of case management, the emphasis on cross-disciplinary teamwork is paramount for delivering holistic patient care. Effective collaboration among healthcare professionals is crucial to ensure that all aspects of a patient’s health are addressed comprehensively. This includes regular communication and coordination with a network of providers, from physicians and nurses to social workers and legal advisors.
Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans.
Ensures proactive discharge planning with safe options for the patient.
Maintains open communication channels across all healthcare disciplines.
The synergy of diverse expertise within the healthcare team facilitates a more integrated approach to patient care, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
Case managers play a pivotal role in this collaborative process, often acting as the linchpin that holds the multidisciplinary team together. By fostering strong relationships and understanding the unique contributions of each discipline, case managers can streamline care coordination and enhance the quality of patient services.
Future Directions in Case Management
Technological Innovations in Patient Care Coordination
The landscape of healthcare case management is being reshaped by technological innovations, which are streamlining the coordination of patient care. These advancements include comprehensive case management systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and patient assessment tools that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of case managers.
Technological tools not only improve communication among healthcare teams but also ensure the continuity of care through standardized communication protocols. The integration of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools with healthcare case management software allows for more personalized care and automated processes, which can lead to reduced costs and improved patient outcomes.
Ensuring data privacy and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA is paramount. Innovations in data privacy platforms are crucial for managing patient data, access permissions, and maintaining confidentiality. As the healthcare landscape evolves with trends like telehealth and remote case management, these technologies will play a pivotal role in adapting to new models of healthcare delivery.
The use of advanced technologies in case management is essential for tracking, monitoring, and reporting patient care, which is fundamental to improving health outcomes and optimizing care strategies.
Expanding the Scope of Behavioral Health Case Management
The role of the Behavioral Health Case Manager is becoming increasingly vital as the healthcare industry recognizes the importance of mental health and substance abuse services. Specialized roles such as the ‘Behavioral Health Case Manager’ are emerging, reflecting a more holistic approach to patient care that spans multiple healthcare disciplines.
In the pursuit of expanding the scope of behavioral health case management, initiatives are being undertaken to enhance service accessibility. These include extending service hours and increasing the availability of care at various locations. Such strategies are essential for improving access to care for those in need of behavioral health services.
Behavioral Health Counselors are now providing more specialized support, focusing on mental health and substance abuse issues.
Quality Improvement Coordinators are integral in ensuring that these specialized services meet the high standards expected in healthcare.
The integration of digital tools and telehealth is also playing a significant role in the expansion, allowing for remote management of patient care.
The evolution of case management roles reflects the healthcare industry’s commitment to addressing the comprehensive needs of patients, ensuring that mental health and substance abuse services are not siloed but integrated into the broader spectrum of care.
Preparing for the Increasing Demand for Integrated Care Managers
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the demand for Integrated Care Managers is on the rise. These professionals are pivotal in orchestrating comprehensive care that spans across various healthcare disciplines. The integration of services is crucial to meet the complex needs of diverse patient populations.
To prepare for this growing demand, healthcare organizations must focus on several key areas:
Developing robust training programs to equip case managers with the necessary skills for integrated care.
Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure seamless coordination of services.
Implementing advanced technology solutions like telehealth to enhance the efficiency and reach of case management.
Healthcare systems must adapt to the changing needs by embracing new roles and competencies in case management. This adaptation is not just about adding new titles, but also about redefining the scope of work to include a more collaborative and patient-centered approach.
The table below outlines the core competencies required for Integrated Care Managers:
Competency
Description
Clinical Knowledge
Understanding of diverse health conditions and treatments.
Communication Skills
Ability to effectively communicate with patients and healthcare teams.
Technological Proficiency
Skilled in using digital tools for patient care coordination.
Cultural Competency
Sensitivity to the cultural and individual needs of patients.
By investing in these competencies, healthcare organizations can ensure that their case management teams are well-prepared to handle the increasing complexity of patient care and maintain high standards of quality improvement.
As the healthcare industry evolves, so does the role of case management. Staying ahead in this dynamic field requires a commitment to ongoing education and professional development. The American Academy of Case Management (AACM) is dedicated to providing high-quality programs for Case Management Certification and Fellowship, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. If you’re looking to expand your career opportunities and achieve a high level of attainment and validation in case management, visit our website to learn more about our certification process and how you can become a Fellow in the AACM. Take the next step in your professional journey today!
Conclusion
Please also review The American Academy of Case Management’s Case Management Certification
The role of the case manager is pivotal in enhancing health care quality and ensuring patient-centered outcomes. Through diligent assessment, planning, coordination, and advocacy, case managers bridge the gaps in health care delivery, addressing urgent needs while integrating services across various providers. Despite the challenges of limited resources and the complexity of health care systems, case managers are at the forefront of innovating care practices, including the rise of specialized roles such as Behavioral Health and Digital Health Case Managers. Their work not only improves individual patient care but also contributes to the broader goals of health care quality improvement, balancing the critical aspects of quality care and cost efficiency. As the field evolves, the case manager’s adaptability and commitment to excellence will continue to be essential in navigating the ever-changing landscape of health care.
Please also review AIHCPs and the AACM’s Case Management Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a case manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a Case Manager in healthcare?
Case Managers evaluate patient needs and develop, facilitate, coordinate, and advocate for healthcare options and services to improve the quality of care and achieve better social and clinical outcomes.
How do Case Managers contribute to quality improvement in healthcare?
Case Managers work to enhance healthcare standards and efficiency by assessing client needs, developing care plans, monitoring progress, and ensuring patients access the necessary resources.
What are some of the challenges in implementing Case Management programs?
Challenges include resource scarcity, financial constraints, coordinating care across multiple disciplines, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
Can Case Managers advance to Quality Improvement Coordinator roles?
Yes, Case Managers with a knack for data and process optimization can advance to Quality Improvement Coordinator roles, which involve analyzing performance data and developing improvement plans.
What specialized roles exist within Case Management?
Specialized roles include Integrated Care Case Manager, Behavioral Health Case Manager, Digital Health Case Manager, and Clinical Case Manager, each addressing specific client needs and care coordination.
How does Case Management integrate with legal advocacy?
Case Managers serve as advocates for clients’ care and services, including legal considerations in healthcare coordination, and can act as mediators in healthcare disputes.
What strategies do Case Managers use to balance quality care with cost efficiency?
Strategies include managing healthcare costs while improving patient care, using innovative approaches to cost-effective case management, and evaluating the impact of financial decisions on quality of care.
How is the field of Case Management evolving with technology?
The field is evolving with roles like Digital Health Case Manager, emphasizing the use of telehealth and digital tools, and with technological innovations in patient care coordination.
Additional Resources
Comfere, N., et. al. (2020). “Quality improvement and healthcare: The Mayo Clinic quality Academy experience”. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis. 2020 Aug; 20: 100170. National Library of Medicine. Access here
“Quality Improvement”. John Hopkins Medicine. Access here
Orginc, G., et, al. (2021). “Different approaches to making and testing change in healthcare”. BMJ. 2021; 374: n1010. National Library of Medicine. Access here
Paul B Batalden and Frank Davidoff. (2007). “What is “quality improvement” and how can it transform healthcare?” Qual Saf Health Care. 2007 Feb; 16(1): 2–3. National Library of Medicine. Access here
The primary and first declaration within Christian Counseling the central nature of Christ as healer. Christ is the ultimate counselor and the source of all healing. The Christian Counselor presents the Christian worldview, its morals, its ideals on grace, and salvation to the person with the person knowing in advance that this the primary premise and foundation. Concepts such as sin as a source of struggle, suffering and death are recognized, as well as Christ’s central importance in healing and transformation.
Christ is the source of all knowledge and is the basis of all Christian Counseling
The extent to which this theology permeates the counseling depends upon integration of secular and modern psychological methods. Strict Biblical Counseling and Christian Psychologies will delve more deeper into Christian tradition and be less receptive to purely secular therapies, while an integrated approach, while still maintaining a Scriptural foundation will understand the limits of certain sciences. Integrated approaches will not deny that God is the source of all truth of every science but will recognize that certain limitations exist within religious texts and that the truths of God in other sciences are displayed under different approaches. It is because of this that Christian Counseling that employs an Integrated Approach is able to utilize multi-faceted approaches to help healing in a person. It recognizes the spiritual authority of Scripture, its moral guidance, and foundational teachings in helping others heal, but also understands its purpose in not treating mental pathology, which permits the integrated approach to use other ways to treat individuals. While sin is the cause of all suffering, not every individual sin causes every pathology. Sometimes, the person requires a spiritual healing but in many cases the person may just require a mental healing.
Within this premise, Integrated Christian Counseling is able to utilize modern psychology and counseling while remaining faithful to Christian idealogy and teachings. Christian Counseling, especially when under the dual guidance of a Christian and a licensed professional, as opposed to merely a pastoral level, has the ability to further treat deeper pathologies dealing with trauma and loss. It also has the ability to incorporate with those modules the concepts of Christian Grief and the purpose of suffering in the world.
It is within Christian Counseling that one can incorporate Christianity’s unique stance on suffering. Christianity does not offer to the suffering person a non answer. It does tell a person to suffer alone, or that God is merely watching from a distance. Instead Christianity offers an explanation why suffering exists but also grants comfort to the bereaved that God does not merely watch from a far away throne, but instead sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer with us. Christ, the Suffering Servant, becomes the ultimate example for the suffering. He teaches humanity how to suffer and offers the ultimate example of how to offer one’s cross. Yet, Christ is not defeated by suffering or death, but defeats and conquers it. The ultimate promise of Christianity is that who die with Christ will rise with Christ. This is a powerful philosophy and theology that is offered in Christian based counseling.
In addition to this foundational philosophy and theology, integrated Christian Counseling can utilize and use the numerous therapies afforded by modern psychology and counseling. Again, though, why limit oneself to one school of thought? Implementing and integrating different therapies can also be beneficial for some. Again, this is not saying this would benefit everyone. In some cases, strictly adhering to CBT may be the best call to action and may be the therapy the counselor or practitioner is best trained in. If this is the case, then if the patient is showing progress, then various integrations would not be needed.
First, it is important to note, when helping anyone in loss, trauma or suffering, that not all therapies fit all. Some may benefit from one, while others may benefit from a mixture. In my opinion, since human beings are so multi-faceted, sometimes a multiple approach of modules can be the most productive based upon the person’s reaction. For instance, when looking at the three primary therapies of Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic, one may find samples from each to help a particular individual find healing. A blended and truly integrated practice may be beneficial as opposed to maybe a singular approach.
In Psychodynamic, a counselor may look to help someone by exploring the past and come to conclusion why certain feelings are manifesting in the present that stem from the past. Past trauma does play a key in the present moment and for some, understanding why a certain feeling is manifesting may be enough to identify it and control it. Others though may need more direction and guidance beyond discovering the why and require cognitive understanding and reshaping. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help the person dismiss damaging feelings and restructure them into more productive feelings going forward. Furthermore, while some may benefit cognitively, others may be benefit from a more emotional discussion from various Humanistic approaches that dissect the feelings of now and help the person again find balance with self image and real image. This balance concurs with healthy out look on life.
In particular when dealing with someone, obviously a scriptural based prayer that reflects the issue at hand is key. This invites the Holy Spirit into any session and emphasizes the central focus of Christ in the room for healing. In any sessions, narrative therapies can provide very useful in describing and discussing the loss/stressor/ trauma. Discussions can lead to awakening and new ideals about it and help the person heal from the loss. Journaling, as a aspect of CBT, can play a big role in adaptive coping as well as a strong tool in grief work. In some cases, Humanistic approaches that include self talk and the empty chair can help individuals express the emotion of now and learn how to later handle given situations. Ultimately, the tools present are used to help the person adjust to the loss or trauma in a healthy way and connect the past with the present and future in a productive way. Counseling modules and various strategies such as those listed when integrated with prayer and healing can prove very beneficial in restoring meaning in life.
Personally, I find human beings to complicated and loss to diverse for one fit all solution. Whether Christian Counseling approaches or counseling models, many individuals need a variety of proven methods to help that particular person again find meaning. A healthy person according to Aaron Antonovsky achieves coherence when they are able to predict why things happen, have some ability to cope with those things and have a deeper meaning of the why and purpose of life. A strong integrated Christian Counseling philosophy with modern psychology that is never tied completely to one school of thought but tied to proven methods within each school that work for particular individuals gives the counselor a strong foundation that has a good base in Christ and science but also a flexible response to pathology of a person.
Integration of technique and models can give the patient a flexible treatment that can fit one’s individual needs. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program
Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification. The Christian Counseling Program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Christian Counselor. The program itself is non-denominational but shares within many of the great Christian traditions. It is open to non-clinical as well as clinical practitioners. The program offers the base model for pastors or counselors to incorporate their own style of Christian Counseling and methods to better help individuals.
Additional Resources
“Integrative Therapy”. Psychology Today. Access here
“Therapy Types and Modalities”. Psychology Today. Access here
Collinsworth-Cobarruvias, S. (2018). “Biblical Foundation for Christian Integration: A Theology of Christian Counseling”. Access here
Zarbo, C. et, al. (2015). “Integrative Psychotherapy Works”. Front Psychol. 2015; 6: 2021. National Library of Medicine. Access here
Diabetes management is a multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive approach to care. While many tackle this issue alone or with primary physician or specialist, some populations require supervision and special care team. Case Management teams play key roles in ensuring sugar levels and diet remain within the proper levels. AIHCP offers a four year certification for qualified professionals in Case Management. This blog will look at how Case Management and diabetes management work together.
Key Takeaways
Lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, exercise, and weight management, are foundational in diabetes control.
Medications, such as insulin and oral agents, are tailored to individual needs and are a critical component of diabetes management.
Regular blood glucose monitoring and self-care practices are essential for maintaining target blood glucose levels.
Preventive measures, including routine health screenings and proper foot care, are vital to avoid diabetes-related complications.
Case management and patient education play a crucial role in empowering patients to take charge of their diabetes care.
Introduction to Diabetes Management
Case Managers and Nurse Educators can play a key role in diabetes management for certain populations in healthcare.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose, leading to potential damage to vital organs over time. The body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin, a hormone essential for blood sugar regulation, is impaired in individuals with diabetes. This condition can manifest as type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form, where the body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce sufficient amounts. Proper management of diabetes is crucial to prevent long-term complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney issues.
Diabetes is not only a health concern but also a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality. It is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. The risk of these complications escalates with poor glycemic control, underscoring the importance of effective diabetes management.
Understanding the types of diabetes is essential for appropriate treatment and care. The main types include:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Each type requires a specific approach to management, with patient education playing a pivotal role in achieving optimal blood sugar control and preventing long-term complications.
The Importance of Comprehensive Care
Comprehensive care in diabetes management transcends the mere prescription of medications; it embodies a holistic approach that addresses the multifaceted needs of the individual. Care integration is pivotal, ensuring that all aspects of a patient’s health are considered in unison, preventing the fragmentation of services. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with complex needs, as it promotes coordinated and high-quality care.
Effective diabetes management requires the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team. The team’s collective expertise in areas such as diet, exercise, and medication management is crucial for tailoring care to the individual’s unique circumstances. Relational continuity with healthcare providers (HCPs) who possess comprehensive patient knowledge is essential, especially when patients navigate through various healthcare settings.
Patient perspectives and self-reported outcomes are often underrepresented in care strategies, yet their involvement is indispensable for achieving integrated care. It is through this lens that patients can transition smoothly from hospital to autonomous care management.
While interventions like patient education and discharge counseling are important, their impact on reducing healthcare costs and rehospitalization rates has been mixed. Therefore, it is imperative to continuously evaluate and adapt these practices to meet the evolving needs of patients with diabetes.
Lifestyle Modifications for Diabetes Control
Healthy Eating and Meal Planning
Effective diabetes management hinges on a well-structured diet, which can significantly influence blood glucose levels and overall health. Healthy eating is not just about strict dietary limitations, but rather about feeling great, having more energy, and stabilizing blood sugars. A balanced meal plan should include a variety of nutrients in appropriate portions to maintain energy and support metabolic needs.
Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Incorporate a variety of foods to ensure a balanced intake of essential nutrients.
Limit intake of sugar and saturated fats to manage blood glucose levels.
Meal planning is a critical skill that empowers individuals with diabetes to take control of their dietary habits and make informed food choices.
Understanding the components of a healthy diet and learning how to plan meals can be daunting. However, with the right guidance and tools, individuals can create meal plans that not only cater to their medical needs but also fit their personal preferences and lifestyle.
Incorporating Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is a cornerstone of diabetes management, offering a multitude of benefits for individuals with the condition. Engaging in physical activity can lead to improved blood sugar control, which is critical for preventing the long-term complications of diabetes. Exercise also plays a role in weight management, another key aspect of controlling diabetes.
The type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to each individual’s capabilities and health status. For most adults with diabetes, the following recommendations are suggested:
At least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity per week
Muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week
It is important to start slowly and increase the intensity and duration of exercise gradually to avoid injury and ensure consistency in the routine.
Exercise not only helps manage blood glucose levels but also contributes to better overall health, including improved cardiovascular fitness and mental well-being.
Incorporating regular exercise into a diabetes management plan requires commitment and may necessitate adjustments in medication or meal planning. Healthcare providers can offer guidance on how to safely integrate physical activity into daily life.
Strategies for Healthy Weight Management
Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight is a cornerstone in the management of diabetes. Among the promising strategies for managing diabetes mellitus, weight management is a practical approach, encompassing diverse interventions like dietary adjustments and increased physical activity. These strategies are not only beneficial for blood glucose control but also for overall health improvement.
Effective weight management involves a multifaceted plan that includes regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications. It is essential to tailor these strategies to individual needs to ensure long-term success and adherence.
The following list outlines key components of a weight management strategy for individuals with diabetes:
Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days
Adopt a healthy diet, minimizing sugar and saturated fats
Avoid tobacco use, as it heightens the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing diabetes effectively. Regular blood sugar testing can facilitate early intervention and better disease outcomes.
Medical Interventions in Diabetes Management
Case Management for diabetes can ensure proper adjustments or interventions are properly made for an individual’s particular health issues with diabetes
Blood Glucose Monitoring and Self-Care
Effective diabetes management hinges on the regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. This self-care practice is essential for identifying personal glucose patterns and making informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication.
Blood glucose monitoring should be tailored to individual needs, with specific targets set in collaboration with healthcare providers. For those requiring insulin, mastering safe injection techniques is crucial.
Mastery of blood glucose self-monitoring empowers patients to take control of their diabetes and adjust their management plan as needed.
Understanding how to analyze and interpret these results is a key component of diabetes self-care. It enables timely interventions and adjustments to treatment plans, ensuring optimal diabetes control and prevention of complications.
Medications: Insulin and Oral Agents
Effective diabetes management often necessitates the use of medications to maintain blood glucose levels within a target range. Insulin therapy is indispensable for individuals with Type 1 diabetes and may also be required for some with Type 2 diabetes. The administration of insulin must be carefully managed to avoid hypoglycemia, a condition that can have serious health implications.
Oral medications, particularly for Type 2 diabetes, play a significant role in diabetes care. These agents work through various mechanisms to improve blood glucose control. For instance, some medications increase insulin sensitivity, others inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract, and some stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.
It is essential to tailor medication choices to the individual’s specific diabetes type and health profile to optimize outcomes and minimize side effects.
The table below summarizes the primary classes of oral antidiabetic agents, their mechanisms of action, and common side effects:
Class of Agent
Mechanism of Action
Common Side Effects
Biguanides
Decrease hepatic glucose production
Gastrointestinal upset
Sulfonylureas
Increase insulin secretion from pancreas
Hypoglycemia, weight gain
TZDs
Increase insulin sensitivity
Weight gain, fluid retention
DPP-4 inhibitors
Enhance incretin hormones
Nasopharyngeal infection, headache
SGLT2 inhibitors
Increase glucose excretion in urine
Urinary tract infections, dehydration
Selecting the right combination of medications requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition and a careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks associated with each treatment option.
Managing Blood Pressure and Lipid Levels
Effective management of blood pressure and lipid levels is crucial in preventing cardiovascular complications in individuals with diabetes. The American Heart Association highlights the interplay between diabetes and cholesterol, noting that diabetes tends to lower “good” cholesterol levels and raise triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol levels, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke.
To mitigate these risks, a multifaceted approach is recommended. This includes lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and smoking cessation. Additionally, medication may be necessary to manage both blood glucose and lipid levels effectively.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing diabetes and its associated risks. Cost-effective interventions that improve patient outcomes include control of blood pressure and lipids. These interventions are not only beneficial for blood glucose regulation but also for reducing cardiovascular risk and preventing other complications.
Prevention and Management of Diabetes Complications
Routine Health Screenings and Eye/Foot Care
Effective management of diabetes extends beyond glycemic control and involves vigilant prevention and management of potential complications. Regular eye examinations are crucial for detecting changes that may indicate retinopathy, a condition that can lead to vision loss if not addressed promptly. Similarly, comprehensive foot care is essential to prevent ulcers and infections that can result in severe outcomes, including amputation.
The integration of routine health screenings into a diabetic patient’s care plan is a proactive measure that can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
Foot care, in particular, should include patient self-care practices such as maintaining foot hygiene and wearing appropriate footwear. Professional care is also paramount, especially for those with signs of decreased circulation or neuropathy. Podiatrists play a vital role in this aspect of diabetes management, utilizing diagnostic tests like pulse checks, Doppler ultrasound, or the ankle-brachial index test to assess blood flow and artery health in the feet.
The following table summarizes key aspects of diabetes-related eye and foot care:
Care Aspect
Frequency
Description
Eye Exam
Annually
Screening for retinopathy and other ocular conditions.
Foot Exam
At each visit
Checking for cuts, blisters, and signs of infection.
Podiatry Evaluation
As needed
Assessing circulation and nerve function in the feet.
Stress Management and Mental Health Support
The role of case management in diabetes care is pivotal, as it bridges the gap between patients and the multifaceted healthcare system. Case managers are advocates who guide patients through the complexities of managing diabetes, ensuring they receive the appropriate resources and support.
Prepare: Before engaging with a case manager, assess your health needs and identify areas where assistance is required.
Communicate: Openly discuss your health challenges and objectives with your case manager. Full transparency enables them to provide optimal support.
Plan: View your case manager as a health ally. Their advice is geared towards your well-being, so consider their recommendations carefully.
Case management is not just about coordinating care; it’s about empowering patients with diabetes to take control of their health and navigate the healthcare system with confidence.
Eligibility for case management services is broad, but particularly beneficial for individuals with complex health issues such as uncontrolled diabetes, those struggling with medication costs, or frequent emergency room visitors. By setting goals and providing support for transitions in care settings, case managers play a crucial role in the prevention and management of diabetes complications.
Case Management and Patient Education
Effective case management is a cornerstone of diabetes care, providing a structured approach to managing the disease. Case managers work collaboratively with patients to clarify health issues, identify symptoms, and ensure a comprehensive understanding of treatment options. They play a pivotal role in connecting patients with resources, such as preventive care programs and support for complex health decisions.
Nurse patient educators can help educate one about one’s personal needs and the objective nature of diabetes and care required for a healthy life
The Case Management team, often comprising nurses, health coaches, and pharmacists, offers these services at no additional cost, emphasizing the accessibility and voluntary nature of the support provided. Their goal is to empower patients to take an active role in their health by setting and working towards personalized goals.
Participation in case management is a proactive step towards better health outcomes. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, who may struggle with medication adherence or frequent hospital visits.
To optimize the benefits of case management, patients are encouraged to prepare for discussions, communicate openly about their health challenges, and actively engage in the planning process. Family caregivers also play a crucial role in supporting the patient through the healthcare journey.
Managing diabetes and its complications can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, it’s possible to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Our comprehensive guide on ‘Prevention and Management of Diabetes Complications’ offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of diabetes care. For more in-depth information and personalized support, visit our website and explore a wealth of resources tailored to your needs. Take the first step towards better diabetes management today by clicking on the link below. Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management and also AIHCP’s Nurse Patient Educator Program.
Conclusion
Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management and also its Nurse Patient Educator Certification Programs and see if they match your academic and professional goals
In conclusion, diabetes management is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a comprehensive approach to care. Case Managers play a key role in ensuring patients in certain populations receive the care, monitoring, medication and diet required to live a healthy life. Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Case Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lifestyle modifications can help manage diabetes?
Lifestyle changes that can help manage diabetes include healthy eating and meal planning, incorporating regular exercise, and strategies for healthy weight management.
What is the role of a case manager in diabetes care?
Case managers specialize in diabetes care management and help patients make lasting lifestyle changes, improve overall health, and navigate the healthcare system.
How can I get a case manager for diabetes management?
You can call your health plan and ask about case managers and care management services. For CHPW members, call the Care Management team at 1-866-418-7004.
What medical interventions are important in diabetes management?
Medical interventions include regular blood glucose monitoring, medications such as insulin and oral agents, and managing blood pressure and lipid levels.
How can I prevent diabetes-related complications?
Preventing complications involves regular health screenings, eye and foot care, effective stress management, and mental health support.
What should I know about blood glucose monitoring and self-care?
Regular blood glucose checks are vital. It’s important to conduct self-checks, interpret results, and understand individual blood glucose targets.
What types of medications might be prescribed for diabetes management?
Depending on the type of diabetes, medications can include insulin for type 1 diabetes and possibly type 2, as well as oral medications for type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels.
Additional Resources
Drincic, A. et, al. (2017). “The effect of diabetes case management and Diabetes Resource Nurse program on readmissions of patients with diabetes mellitus”. J Clin Transl Endocrinol. 2017 Jun; 8: 29–34. National Library of Medicine. Access here
Watts. S. & Sood, A. (2015). “Diabetes nurse case management: Improving glucose control: 10 years of quality improvement follow-up data”. PMID: 26856514 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2015.03.011. National Library of Medicine. Access here
Ahmad, N. et. al. (2020). “Self-Care Management of Patients with diabetes: nurses’ perspectives”. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2020 Dec; 19(2): 1537–1542. National Library of Medicine. Access here
Neurotransmitters play a big role in our mental health from a physiological view. They are important chemicals without our brain and body that balance various moods. Serotonin for example when balanced regulated mood disorders such as depression. Proper balance and understanding of these transmitters play a key role in mental health. Sometimes it is diet, other times it may require medication to find balance, but most licensed mental health care professionals can help individuals find the mental help they need if an imbalance occurs.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification. AIHCP also offers a variety of other mental health certifications for other professionals as well.
Grief is a life long process. Individuals deal with grief or loss to some extent on a consistent basis throughout life. The more significant losses remain with individuals and the ability of the individual to process the loss, understand it, incorporate it and exist with it are key to normal grieving styles. Those in the field of grief counseling on both the non clinical and clinical side need to sharpen their talents in helping individuals process the loss in a healthy way and be able to find continuing meaning in life. This involves not only understanding the various therapies on the more broad spectrum of treatment but how to micro handle daily sessions with individuals with minor positive interventions. Hence while one may employ CBT as the broad approach to help one heal, the daily encounters and how these encounters occur, allow the overall therapy to take root finds its productivity in certain skills and abilities. Some of these skills deal with how the grief counselor reframes thoughts, repeats words, shows empathy, or other verbal strategies to help emphasize certain parts of treatment, but positive interventions during treatment involve notation of certain parts of the journey within the inner dynamics of whatever treatment. As the person tells their grief story, finds self, relationship, memories and continuity within the grief story of one’s life, the counselor plays a key role in highlighting these points.
Grief Counselors can help individuals find meaning in loss through various strategies and interventions throughout the process.
Junietta Baker McCall’s text “Bereavement Counseling: Pastoral Care for Complicated Grieving” lists a variety of positive strategies and helpful interventions in chapter 7. She discusses how the therapists or grief counselors can help guide the person in the person’s grief story, sense of self and relationship, and the building of memories and continued continuity in healing through various prompts and interventions during sessions. These insights go far deeper than a general discussion of a therapy, or utilization of counselor skills, but look at certain points in therapy at a much more micro level where the grief counselor can better help the person through a particular session and goal. She states that specific strategies and interventions can be “used to respond to grief … and suggest possible ways to engage the grieving individual (McCall, J. 2012, p. 223).
Strategies in Narrative Therapy
Grief Narrative is a therapy within all overall models of CBT, Psycho Dynamic or Humanistic approaches. It is the re-telling of the person’s loss and trauma. It is where everything begins in the healing process. It permits the person to vocalize the inner feelings and share the loss. It permits communication and healing and allows for reframing and eventual change in understanding the place of the loss within the person’s life. Obviously for it to be successful, depends not only the story being told but how the grief counselor is able to guide the individual.
Counselors should utilize the story as a way to develop a caring model relationship that enables them to understand their client. The story needs to be encouraged to be told no matter the sadness and shared. In doing so, the grief counselor should grant the person space and time to comfortably tell the story. The grief counselor should repeat words that need repeated for the person to hear his/her own words echo, as well as show empathy and interest in the telling of the events. In this way, the grief counselor shows engagement and can later model future healthy grieving models (McCall, J. 2012, P. 225).
Throughout the story, it is important for the grief counselor to accept the therapeutic nature of the grief story. What matters most is the here and now of the story, not what others think. At this moment, the important part of healing is the subjective truth of the story to the person. How does the person feel at this moment in the here and now (McCall, J. 2012, p. 226). Remain empathetic throughout the story and remain an advocate for the person as the story continues and upon completion of the story within the session, ask the person if the story has been told to the person’s satisfaction. Upon completion of the story, share observations, address emotions and remain honest in assessments with possible referrals or information to help the person continue the story for next time (McCall, J. 2012, p. 228-229).
With guidance, the story’s initial subjective truths can correlate with objective reality. The person may recognize various issues within the story, such as blame, or guilt, or anger that once existed that no longer should exist. In addition, one can begin to reframe the loss within an objective truth as the person heals.
Regaining Self and Connection
Within the grieving process, many times, the person loses sense of self. One may have had such dependence upon the other that one can no longer function. Maybe one identified as a spouse, parent or position and when these things are taken, a person loses this important self image. Again, obviously various CBT or Humanistic Approaches to help cognitively reframe or heal broken images can be utilized, but it is within the smaller bits of communication with the bereaved, where one moves from one point to the next.
It is critical to address and measure a person’s sense of self within sessions. Asking questions that relate to a person’s self image and how a person may feel since the loss. Maybe the person is withdrawing from hobbies or no longer finds interests. These are important notations that can help one measure if one’s sense of self is damaged due to the loss. McCall recommends utilizing the term loneliness not to just mean when one is alone but a feeling that can occur in any circumstance. In addition, she uses the term isolation to refer to any inner experience to withdraw from others (2012, P., 237-238). The grief counselor while helping the person’s self re-find itself, needs to also help the person find relationship with others. The counselor can describe ways for the bereaved to reach out to others and in what ways
Reclaiming Memories and Meaning
Grief healing occurs when old memories are properly collected, understood, and properly recalled with the present and possible future. One is able to find meaning of the loss, no matter what it was, and able to tie the loss together within the chapters of one’s life. The loss has meaning but does not define completely the self or person. The person continues with the loss, albeit in a healthy way. The person is able to build new relationships and write new chapters, despite the existence of the loss.
Helping individuals understand memories and how they connect to meaning and healing are important in grief work. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification
In helping individuals, whether through CBT or Humanistic Approaches, grief counselors can pay close attention to particulars and emphasize and carefully monitor certain aspects of this transition during sessions. It is important to see the gradual transformation of the bereaved throughout the process. A good grief counselor will see when certain parts are not lining up and where to intervene and help the client proceed to the next important step of adapting to the loss.
The grief counselor should utilize all mind, body, soul connections tied with ritual and belief. These ideals within the person can play key roles in anchoring the person with meaning in the loss. It is also at this point to ensure the bereaved understands the value of working through grief and that while the first step is to survive the loss, there is so much more beyond just surviving (McCall, J, 2012, p. 252-256). McCall points out it is crucial for the person to understand that surviving the loss is vital to growth but it still not quality of life. As the person recognizes this survival, the person will start to set aside other destructive maladaptive coping habits. These habits need addressed in any counseling.
The grief counselor can help the person progress by asking the client to discuss how it was before the loss. In addition, discuss current accomplishments, as well as offer encouragement. Ask the client to fantasize what one hopes life to be like in the future (McCall, J. 2012,. p. 257).
In remembering, teach clients that memories can be unbearable and that is OK. Ask the client what the memory means to him/her. Let the client know some events make no sense in life and cannot be made into order. Let the client know he/she cannot change the memory or event, but he/she can learn to grow with it. Use other examples of similar stories of how others coped, or present ways to help put an intrusive thought to the back mind. Helping individuals focus on issues when it is safe instead of intrusive and inopportune times helps the person handle emotion and bad memories (McCall, J. 2012, p. 260). As time progresses, help the person reframe bad memories for more positive outcomes and valuable ways to see the past so one may move forward to the future.
Finding meaning in the present and future also means recognizing healing. So many times, one only focuses on the trauma, but it is equally important to focus on healing and transformation. McCall recommends to help the person focus on the mystery of life. Let clients know that they have control of their lives and can dictate what the future holds. Help clients identify healing moments without guilt. Let individuals know beyond being aware of healing moments to embrace them, pray for them , hope for them and practice gratitude when they occur (2012, p. 265).
It is interesting to note that Aaron Antonovksy famous for his theories on “salutogenesis” which emphasizes health as something more aligned with well being than focus on pathology speaks of the importance of coherence in health. For well being and health to exist, he points out three key elements that I feel are important to reframing grief and finding meaning. He first lists comprehensibility as the belief that things/stressors/loss happen in an orderly fashion. Obviously, world views can be shattered with grief and any type of well being is destroyed initially after loss. Secondly, Antonosky points out manageability as crucial to well being in the belief that one has the ability and skills to cope with stressors or loss. In stress, when an organism is over-whelmed, then breakdown begins, so it is not surprising that Antonosky would point out that for well-being, one must be able to manage stressors or loss. Finally, he lists meaningfulness as source of coherence and well being. Meaningfulness is what defines a person’s existence and why one pushes forward. In grief theory, when meaning in life is loss, then well being suffers. It is the purpose of grief counseling to help the person adjust to loss by again finding meaning in life with the loss.
Conclusion
Helping individuals throughout the grieving process involves identifying issues and helping people one step at a time. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals
Sense of meaning is critical to overall health. Without a sense of meaning, health itself can suffer. So when sense of meaning is restored and connected with past, present and future, then true adjustment can occur. Grief Counselors play a key role in helping individuals regain this balance and sense of health. It is sometimes in intense sessions where minor observations and interventions occur that grief healing occurs. It does not occur immediately, but results in multiple months and sometimes years, helping the person adjust to the loss in a healthy way.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in grief counseling.
Reference
McCall, J. (2012). ‘Bereavement Counseling: Pastoral Care for Complicated Grieving”. Routledge
Many times Christian Counseling is understood in the more generic sense of the word, namely, counseling with a biblical emphasis. Yet, the range and extreme in which how Christian Counseling integrates modern psychology is very broad within different schools. Hence in regards to using the words Christian Counseling and Biblical Counseling it would be naive to use them as inter-changeable words. This is because many Biblical Counselors who are only pastors may have a very differently distinct approach than a Christian Counselor with a professional license. Hence within the broad range of Christian Counseling, Biblical Counseling may appear the same but within a certain approach it is not. They do differ. But we must also concisely define Christian Counseling.
Is one defining Christian Counseling as an Integrative Approach? Or is one seeing Christian Counseling as a general term and overall umbrella of different approaches including Biblical Counseling as a particular approach. It is sometimes up to whomever is writing the text or providing the lecture. So Biblical Counseling can be a type of Christian Counseling, or a different approach than Christian Counseling when Christian Counseling is seen as only a particular module and not a collective name.
Biblical Counseling; Benefits and Disadvantages?
There slight differences in Biblical Counseling and Christian Counseling that are important to note
Biblical Counseling understands the Christian faith as a psychology itself (Johnson, E. Ed. 2010, p. 245). It further, according to David Powlison, sees Christian Ministry as a psychotherapy (Johnson, E, Ed., p. 245). Biblical Counseling hence looks to find within Scripture and ultimately within Jesus Christ, various ways to help people with mental or moral issues and identify the root cause as sin. This approach emphasizes the root cause of sin in mental life. Hence, in reviewing a person’s issues, absolute Biblical Counseling identifies the root vice as a source for the pathology. Whether pride, lust or any other vice, Biblical Counseling looks to eradicate the vice to help the person transform from sinful life and find grace and life in Christ. It looks to pastorally guide souls and cure these souls from sin via Jesus Christ (Johnson, E, Ed. 2010, p. 245).
As Christians, we all concur that God is source of all truth and wisdom. He is the author of Scripture and also the author of our mental processes. Hence Powlison and many Biblical Counselors equate psychology and faith on equal grounds. Any secular views of psychology that are not within Scripture or friendly to a Christian view are automatically dismissed. This bias against secular views is sometimes a good thing in rejecting immoral behavior but it can also become overtly suspicious of modern findings. For instance, secular psychology is rapidly legitimizing gender idealogy which is contrary to the Bible and Christian faith. Secular psychology has in many cases justified and accepted immoral concepts to Christians as normal and natural, but Christians have rightfully dismissed them. Does this mean secular psychology and its methodologies should be completely dismissed? What about understand the “why” of moral actions within the human mind?. While secular psychology’s conclusion of immoral acts as morally acceptable is overreaching, psychology provides proven methodologies to understand the mental impulse for a particular action. It is not always actual sin or choice but something deeper at a mental, biological and physiological level. Biblical Counseling in many cases holds to only the nature of the moral action and not the new discoveries of the why of the moral action that are beyond the constructs of moral theology and conscience.
Ultimately Original Sin is the cause of all pathology, but do doctors look to moral theology to cure the body of pathology which ultimately finds it origin in the sin of Adam? One’s own actual sins play a key role in mental pathology and in many cases can be a root cause, but sometimes mental illness exists independent of vice existing within the person. Many times Powlison muddles the water between brain and soul. Pathologies within the brain are not pathologies of the soul, albeit, the brain plays a key role in feeding epistemological knowledge about one’s surroundings and internal feelings. The soul, as fused with the body, in humanity’s temporal form, is dependent upon the brain but the pathologies of the brain while affecting the soul are not always sin of the soul.
Hence Biblical Counseling, in its extreme pastoral sense, becomes more of a sermon on faith, tied together with human experience that can become separated from proven psychological methods. It mistakenly hopes to utilize Scripture as a all purpose book when Scripture, while full of wisdom, is not meant for every aspect of human existence. Its primary goal is salvation and not necessarily biological or mental processes.
Powlison opens his chapter with the comment of St Augustine ” I believe so that you may understand” (Johnson, E, Ed., p 246). This theological statement within philosophy and theology for belief of God, if in turn, is used to promote a psychology remains stuck within a premodern concept of science. When dealing with mental pathology, even when utilizing a Christian frame work, one must study the mind and brain with an empirical understanding. Psychology is not metaphysics but the study of observable things. So while God is the author of both, God has also given humanity different tools to study different sciences.
Biblical Counseling is an Approach within Christian Counseling
Hence biblical counseling is a type of Christian Counseling but not a monopolized ideal of it. Christian Counseling within the Integrated Approach utilizes modern science. It starts with the ideal that sin causes all evil in this world and finds Scripture and the Christian faith as its foundation. It takes from Scripture a sampled amount of wisdom but also utilizes the scientific method to help identify pathologies that are beyond the soul and vice but within the brain and body. This is a balance that does not denounce Christ as the ultimate counselor or looks to Scripture to identify certain moral and mental questions, but it understands the scope of Scripture as a spiritual text not the DSM-5.
More modernist approaches may put Scripture second hand within the psychology and take an extremely opposite approach that forces Christian values and morals to adhere and adjust to new findings, but the Integrated Approach carefully balances science and faith not at the expense of the other. The Levels of Explanation Approach to psychology puts Scripture at the expense of modern findings, while absolute Biblical Counseling Approach challenges and fears secular findings. God is the source of truth. If Scripture contradicts science, either Scripture is misinterpreted, or the science is simply bad. God is the source of truth. The case of Galileo should remind all of the necessity of a balance and understanding where metaphysics and faith ends and empirical study starts.
For more information on the Levels of Explanation Approach, please review the previous blog entitled Christian Counseling and Psychology. In that blog we look at Levels of Explanation, Integration and Biblical Counseling in psychology and how they differ.
Biblical Counseling and Other More Conservative Approaches
Christian Counseling has different approaches, some more conservative than others
Integrative Approach is obviously the middle ground and most utilized approach. Many Christian Counselors who are licensed and posses psychology degrees but remain a fervent faith apply this approach, while pastors and those within theology and metaphysics employ the Only Biblical Approach with suspicion to many secular views. Still other schools of thought exist that veer right from the Integrated Approach and remain polar opposite from the secular schools that look to separate the bible from psychology totally.
Christian Psychology is one such approach that takes the Integrative Approach more Christian based and looks to determine an entire psychology founded within the Christian tradition. If psychology is termed “the science that studies the behavior and mental process of persons” then Christian Psychology would add as understood within the norm “Christian texts and traditions of interpretation” (Johnson, E. Ed. p. 87). Christian Psychology attempts to collect beyond just merely Scripture, but the entirety of Christian philosophy and teaching to orientate a more Christian experience in the psychological process. Like Biblical Counseling, it dismisses immorality but it is far more open to other scientific findings with less bias. It, however, differs from the Integrated Approach in that takes more from the Christian tradition. It less integrated and sometimes will prioritize Christian views over secular at a more extreme level. Like the Integrated Approach, Christian Psychology will utilize CBT, Psychodynamic theories, or Humanistic approaches, but it will; not only incorporate but interpret at a more Christian level. It can also emphasize mental pathology, like Biblical Counseling, as more a source of sin. Hence many who are found within this approach, like Biblical Counseling, are pastors or those of metaphysical background than those within a purely psychological background.
Finally, the Transformationalist Approach, considers psychology and counseling to be a complete spiritual transformation in life. Holding to very strong biblical roots, it finds all starting points in Christ and dismisses modern secular theories but instead turns to the person him/herself. It looks to classical science of not adhering to the empirical and universal method of observation but allowing the object itself to determine methodology. It respects at a higher level phenomenon. This leaves it disagreement with Biblical Counseling and its acceptance of modern methods of associated with science. Phenomenology plays a key role. This is something that is important because not all experiences should be held to the modern empirical method. Since modern science and the extreme philosophy of many logical positivists, empiricism became a religion and the only way to explore the natural world. Yet human experience is far more wide ranging and different ways to investigate existence sometimes are not a good fit with the empirical methodology. Yet, it is the Transformational Approach’s complete dismissal of secular modern methods that places it in some ways more extreme in regards to bias to secular science than even the Biblical Approach. But, like the Biblical Approach, it still sees mental pathology as a source of sin and looks to find healing through transformation via Christ.
What is Shared and Not Shared in all the Christian Counseling Views
All views recognize God as the source of all knowledge and truth. All views understand humanity’s fallen nature. All views understand the importance of Scripture as a starting point for all counseling. Finally, all views share in a common love to bring all to Christ. However, the limit, degree, and dismissal of secular and modern psychology differ between these views. The Levels of Explanation Approach is probably the most extreme version that separates both Christian belief and psychology but finds mutual respect as both believer and psychologist while the Biblical, Christian Psychology and Transformative Approach all to differing degrees tip the scale into a more spiritual experience over psychological, while the Integrative approach balances both faith and science to compliment one another.
So is Biblical Counseling the same as Christian Counseling. If used in the generic, it may seem to be an inter-changeable word, but it remains a far more spiritual experience than within the family of Christian Counseling than other forms that utilize more modern methods incorporated with secular science.
Conclusion
Ultimately Christ is the source of all counseling. Please review AIHCP’S Christian Counseling Certification
In my view, faith and science are both from God as the source of all truth. We live in a fallen world and Original sin and Actual sin all play prominent roles in bad lives, but there is also a mental and biological process separate from the metaphysical. True, they can interact, but not all pathology is rooted in vice. The brain is not the soul. Not every counseling session is about restoration to Christ but sometimes is about helping someone with a purely mental issue. Scripture and the Christian tradition is a starting point, but I do not see Scripture as a biology or science book but a spiritual book. Does it contain vital wisdom for other sources? Absolutely. That is core idea of Christian Counseling itself. But it must be utilized within an Integrated Approach to properly balance spiritual healing when needed versus mental healing.
Always, Christ is the ultimate Counselor, but there are other tools within the sciences beyond Scripture when dealing with nature and humanity that are critical. Would I merely limit them to the empirical method? No. I would also say experience is open to other ways of measuring experience via Phenomenology or Philosophy or other metaphysical studies when appropriate.
Please also remember to review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification Program. The program is biblically based and possesses both Biblical and Integrative Approaches understanding the value of different approaches for different situations. The program is also online and independent study and open to both counselors and pastoral ministers.
Reference
Johnson, E. Ed. “Psychology and Christianity: Five Views”. IVP Academic (2010)
Additional Resources
Murray, D. (2012). “How Biblical is Biblical Counseling?”. The Gospel Coalition. Access here
Myers, L. “CHRISTIAN COUNSELING VS BIBLICAL COUNSELING: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?”. Cornerstone Christian Counseling. Access here
“Christian Counseling”. Psychology Today. Access here
