Last week, I accepted an invitation I had received from DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance to participate in a Web conference. The conference, led by Ken Thorpe, executive director of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), shared an overview of the PFCD’s mission/vision and recognized their one-year anniversary. This is a dynamic project and one that case managers should be aware of, as the Alliance is working on groundbreaking efforts that have the potential to change the way health care is practiced.
As core members of the healthcare team who work closely with patients with chronic disease, case managers have the opportunity to view the healthcare system from a different perspective than other professionals. Case managers see their patients with chronic conditions work hard every day to gain control over their lives. As a result of the advances in technology, we are able to keep patients who have chronic conditions alive longer than ever before. Yet what we sometimes lose focus of is the huge cost that can come with this success. Today, there is an increasing realization that we cannot continue on the same road, but that widespread changes must be taken to refocus the healthcare system.
As a result, a sea change is occurring in our country as we move from a “sick” system to one with a focus on prevention and wellness. To be effective, there will need to be widespread communication efforts and policy changes to enable coordinated efforts to educate, inform and empower the “average consumer” about the importance of lifestyle changes, adherence to a plan of care and of taking personal responsibility for one’s own health.
The PFCD is one of the organizations leading this effort and has enlisted leaders from the public health community, employer groups, the government and other key stakeholders to work together to develop a national communication strategy that will provide a consistent message about the importance of taking personal responsibility when it comes to a topic as important as health and wellness.
Case managers who are listening and watching this emerging trend have begun to hone their leadership skills and are working to find creative ways to be of part of this monumental shift. To learn more about the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease and what you can do to become active and involved, visit their website here. You will find background information on this sprawling initiative, as well as resources for advocacy and steps to improve health.
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
