The annual gathering of professionals engaged in the practice of case management kicked off on Monday, June 16, at the beautiful Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Fla. The theme of this year’s conference is as inspirational as it is instructional: Engage Case Management: Raise the Standard, Go Beyond Expectations, Find the Balance.
This year the show has a new format. It began Monday at 7:30 a.m. with several workshops and the annual Tri-Service Military Meeting. More than 215 military case managers from around the world traveled to Orlando to discuss accomplishments they have been a part of and challenges they must address when faced with the prospect of how best to transition our injured military men and women.
Two other meetings were held on Monday for professionals interested in advancing their careers. Sandi Lowery and Margaret St. Coeur delivered The Case Management Certification Examination, while the Chronic Care Professional certification was delivered by Health Science Institute. If you have not heard about this certification but manage patients with chronic conditions, click here to find out if it indeed will help advance your career.
With the meeting in Orlando, I was able to drive to the show. It is not far from Ft. Lauderdale. I arrived for the second half of the CMSA Board Meeting. Peter Moran and the board reviewed the various initiatives that began under his term. As I sat among my colleagues, I was proud to see all of the new leaders who committed themselves to advancing the practice of case management. In June 2007, Peter Moran told the group that met at last year’s conference in Denver that he could not do it all alone; he asked each board member to sign on to a project and see it through. Peter thanked his board for accepting the challenge. On this afternoon, the board members discussed their projects, updated the current status and shared their plans for the following year.
Some of the projects discussed included:
- National Transitions of Care Coalition. The committee has made tremendous progress in the past year. For a complete update, visit the official website. There you will find important tools to assist you as you transition patients across the continuum.
- Public Policy activities. As a glimpse of where this ambitious activity stands, Margaret Leonard brings you up to date in her article in the June/July issue of Case in Point titled: Cherry Blossoms and CMSA Bloom in Washington, D.C.
- Caseload Calculator. To answer the eternal question “How do we determine appropriate caseloads for our department?” Marybeth Newman reported on the work her team has developed so far. A white paper, available next week, will outline this important topic. To view, visit CMSA’s website next week.
- Update to the Standards of Practice. Past president Carrie Marion reported on the progress her committee has made on the revision. This is a tremendous undertaking. Look for more information in the coming months.
- New Case Management Software Tool. Peter talked about a new software program that is available for those who operate small to midsize companies and have been searching for a tool that can assist in case management activities. An overview of the software — Acuity AnyWare – is available at www.cmsa.org. The program meets the needs of documentation and of the case management adherence guidelines in one package.
- Revision to the CMSA website. The new site, available in mid-fall, will be easier to use and will target the strategic stakeholders in the practice, including members, prospective members, employers, companies and consumers.
As you can see, the board has been busy! Jeff Frater, the incoming President, will lead the new board on Saturday to review the strategic plan and make decisions on what projects they will continue for 2008-09.
Elsewhere
Monday night CMSA sponsored a networking reception with the chapter president, the current and incoming board and the past presidents. The meeting allowed everyone to network and to become familiar with the resources that exist from the dynamic leadership of CMSA. This was a first-time event that I am sure will continue next year, so make sure you come in early.
Tuesday arrived bright and early with a continuation of the Tri-Service Military Meeting, the CCM review course, the CCP exam and also a new program, one that I was very excited about: A four-hour workshop for aspiring authors that was sponsored by the publishers of the official publications of CMSA.
Dorland Health, the publisher of Case in Point, and Lippincott, the publisher of Professional Case Management, commissioned two experts in the field of journalism to present an overview of the strategies of writing and pitching stories. Hussien Tahan presented the academic/research side of publishing, while Katherine Johnson shared her insight on writing for consumer as well as contemporary publications for healthcare professionals. The goal of this meeting is to encourage professionals to share their stories and spread the benefits of case management. From the excitement and interaction in the room, I would say the meeting was a success.
Next we moved to the general session where the Annual Membership Meeting was held. More than 500 attendees came to listen to Peter Moran as he reviewed the year’s activities with the members. Members also brought issues and challenges they are seeing in their areas that have either advanced or threatened the practice.
A case manager from Michigan who is involved in the auto industry shared an example. The State Legislature has decided to look into who is able to provide medical management services for residents injured in auto accidents. There was such concern from those in attendance that Peter promised that the National Office would be in touch following the meeting to discuss the issue in greater detail and to assist with needed information so that the lawmakers have an accurate picture of the practice.
The afternoon wrapped up with a keynote by Amanda Gore, who discussed the Secret Skills of Authentic Leadership with the Heart. Amanda brought wit, humor and a simple message to a standing room-only crowd about how to be an effective leader, reduce stress and balance your life. Many reading this overview may remember Amanda from a few years back. She has the innate ability to engage the group in silly exercises that pack an important message. If you would like to explore her website and her galvanizing messages, click here; to watch a short, funny and tactful video, click here.
That night, Healthcare Scouts and Select Specialty Hospitals sponsored an opening night party. The event allowed those in attendance to let their hair down and have some fun with their fellow case managers.
That wraps up the first two days of the 18th annual conference. Day three starts bright and early. I will be attending the Industry Council Meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the first round of symposiums. So have a good day, and stay tuned for Thursday’s update in Across My Desk!
Have a great day!
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
