6 Ways to Overcome Pushback to Embedded Case Management
Change always incites pushback, and when Sentara Medical Group went from an embedded case management program to a hybrid approach, patient and provider pushback prevailed, recalls Mary M. Morin, RN, NEA-BC, RN-BC, nurse executive with Sentara Medical Group.
Morin describes how the embedded case management addressed the patient and provider pushback, along with other key details on its unique embedded case management model in Hybrid Embedded Case Management: New Model for Cross-Continuum Care Coordination. For more information, please visit:
http://store.hin.com/product.asp?itemid=4943
Among the six ways Sentara overcame resistance was to establish and maintain patient-centered relationships, by conducting comprehensive initial and ongoing assessments with patients, and developing plans of care and coaching education for both patients and their caregivers.
- We maintained patient lists by populations within our electronic platforms. We came up with a standardized screen or view for all care managers. There was a lot of pushback against standardization but the key is standardizing the workflows. Should someone go out on family and medical leave, you can transfer your patient list. It all looks the same.
- They were given and are still given assignments. We set expectations, which is critical. We send patient letters from the primary care physician (PCP) on behalf of the primary care provider that state we have this resource to help you should you be admitted to the hospital. We're very focused on engaging patients. We have a brochure, and each care manager has a bio form that talks about their background.
- We built workflow within the practices, within care management and within our electronic platform. We had issues: Optima, our health plan, is on a different EMR, as are the practices within our clinically integrated network. Unfortunately, the ambulatory-based care managers, the medical group care managers have to move between these two other platforms as well as our platform.
- We held many meetings with home health and in-patient care coordination. Putting a face to a name is very helpful, as is lots of education and training. We had to do the electronic medical record (EMR) training. We discussed how to engage and motivate patients. What's motivational interviewing? We have a requirement that within two years case managers are required to have their specialty certification.
- We defined the care manager's role. The main piece is to establish and maintain patient-centered relationships. They conduct comprehensive initial assessments and ongoing assessments, identify ongoing needs of the patients and possibly their caregiver, developing care plans and then providing coaching support to the patient, caregivers, and family members.
- We manage resources such as transportation. We contract with the taxi service for our few patients that don't drive but need to get to their appointments or to keep them out of the EDs in the hospitals. They manage transitions of care. They conduct advanced care planning.
To reserve your copy of Hybrid Embedded Case Management: New Model for Cross-Continuum Care Coordination today, please visit:
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