Hospital Case Management – May 1, 2024

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging — A Positive for Case Managers and Patients

Despite controversy over diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging programs in recent years, case management leaders say these programs benefit healthcare professionals and align with the goals of patient-centered care.

Ways to Improve Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Case Management

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles in healthcare have multiple benefits to an organization. They can cultivate a culture of innovation by embracing diverse perspectives.

Hairstyle Is a Hot Topic in 2024 Workplaces

A top goal in a workplace that embraces the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is to accept and include people however they present. This includes allowing people of particular faiths to dress in a way that honors their faith and allowing employees to wear hairstyles that are more inclusive than adhering to a particular style, such as styles common among those of European descent.

Improve Collaboration Between Case Managers and Pharmacists

Hospital discharges and care transitions across the continuum are vulnerable time points for medication mismanagement. About 60% of all medication errors occur during transitions of care. Case managers working with pharmacists and providers can help prevent medication errors and omissions as patients transition home or to another care facility. Collaboration is key.

Ways to Reduce Medication Issues During Care Transitions

Medication management services and coordination tops the list of essential interventions needed during transitions of care, according to the National Transition of Care Coalition. Care transitions can falter when patients’ medication assessment and management are not handled well, which is why case managers should follow some basic standards.

Solo Agers Are a Growing Demographic in Health Systems Nationwide

A rising proportion of older patients are solo agers — adults who live alone. This phenomenon leads to challenges for case managers as they try to find safe places to transition patients who lack caregivers and family support. A Pew Research Center study in 2020 found that 27% of U.S. adults older than age 60 years live solo.

Monthly Calls Dramatically Cut ED Visits by Super-Users

Researchers at a Virginia hospital conducted a quality improvement project to get frequent ED visitors the care they needed and keep them out of the ED. The researchers identified the 50 top super-utilizing patients at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s ED in 2020 and contacted them about enrolling in a chronic care management program.

Addressing Food Insecurity in the ED

Screening ED patients for food insecurity is not particularly difficult or time-consuming, but intervening to address the problem can be complicated by various factors.