Hopefully by now you have your rough draft written and are polishing off your 500-word essay that will share with readers of Case in Point your proudest moment as a case manager. If not, you still have time, but it is winding down. The due date for all essays is 11:59 p.m., March 31, 2008. Once your essay is ready, send it in via e-mail to allewellyn@contexomedia.com.
The three outcomes that each case manager strives to achieve when working with patients include educating patients about their condition so they have the knowledge and tools to self-manage their disease; empowering patients so they realize they have the ability to take control of their disease; and coordinating care, which enables them to move through the health care system effectively and efficiently. It has been said that the most important outcome a case manager can achieve is to “work our way out of a job,” which we can do when the patient has the knowledge, the ability and the resources to take over self-management.
To assist you in meeting your goals, all of us at Dorland Health strive to provide you with the tools that you need to educate and empower yourselves and your patients. This week, I came across a video that was produced by the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research that I would like to share with you. The video is titled Communicating with Your Doctor.
Effective communication is the most important tool patients need when mastering the self-management of their disease. Each encounter with a healthcare provider provides the patient an opportunity to learn more about their condition and to gain advice and information that will allow them to become part of the team.
This video provides candid information that all can use to better understand why it is important to prepare for each doctor’s visit. The video shows why it is important to bring another person with you to the appointment. In the video, one of the physicians states, “Four ears are better than two.” We know this is true because most people, when they leave an appointment, have a hard time telling others what the doctor actually said. Having a companion along allows for a better understanding of the information because two people heard the same thing and they can communicate the vital information.
Another tip is to write questions you want to ask and to take notes during the appointment. We know this is important because patients are nervous and physicians are rushed. These are just two examples of the many you will find in the video. Take some time to watch this video and see for yourself the important information that is contained in this tool. To access the video on the Video and Visuals page of our website, click here.
While there, I hope you will take advantage and watch the other videos that are archived on this page. Make sure you check back often, as we will be adding to this site as we continue to build resources that you can use to improve your practice. It is our hope that they educate and empower you to be the best that you can be!
Have a great week!
Anne Llewellyn, RN-BC, MS, BHSA, CCM, CRRN
Editor-in-Chief of Across My Desk, Case in Point magazine, and the Case Management Resource Guide
allewellyn@dorlandhealth.com
