Updating the Case Management Standards of Practice
Editor’s Note: It seems like it was just yesterday that the CM Standards of Practice were revised. Believe it or not, that was 2002! When the Standards were introduced in 1995, the Case Management Society of America explained to the practice that the Standards were a fluid document and would change along with movements in the healthcare industry. The current committee is in the process of formation, and one of the first things that Carrie Marion, RN, BSN, CCM, has asked is for those in the practice of case management to review the current standards and make recommendations as to what changes YOU recommend. This is an important opportunity, and I hope that all readers of Across My Desk take the time to review the current standards and take the opportunity to look at your own practice to see if you are able to meet them. What changes do feel are necessary to keep your practice in line with current practice? (PLEASE NOTE: You do not have to be a member of CMSA to participate.) The Case Management Standards of Practice are Standards that those who “call themselves case managers” are bound to follow. To view the current standards or to offer any comments, click here.
Immunization: It is everyone’s responsibility
The Immunization Action Coalition has spent a great deal of time collecting stories about families who have had experiences with vaccine-preventable diseases. Their collection, known as the “unprotected people” series, can be found on their website here.
Stereotactic breast biopsy improves screening process
Watch a video showing how a Wisconsin hospital is using a stereotactic breast biopsy procedure as a new process for testing for breast cancer. The device helps doctors quickly locate coordinates of any problem in the breast and offers a higher comfort level for patients than traditional day surgery. Click here to watch the video.
Editor’s Note: As October — National Breast Cancer Month — comes to a close, I hope all women reading Across My Desk have either had or have scheduled their mammogram. If you did not schedule your mammogram yet, do it today!
Technology helps elderly maintain independence
New technologies aimed at helping seniors stay healthy and live independently include touch-screen monitors and video games to keep people engaged, as well as monitoring systems to track their routines and medications. Click here for the report and an accompanying video.
Editor’s Note: The first video in the series shows participants and vendors at the Orlando conference explain how they are using this technology today. We hope to add some of these products and services in the 2009 version of the Case Management Resource Guide!
Improving quality through data collection
American Association Health Plan issues their 2006 AHIP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation survey that highlights progress made by health insurance plans on collecting and using data on race, ethnicity and primary language to help reduce disparities and improve overall quality. To access the report and other tools that organizations can use to improve how they address diversity, click here.
Editor’s Note: Case in Point recently posted a two-contact-hour Continuing Education Supplement entitled Working Together Toward Cultural Competency. To access the article, go to the Case in Point web site.
