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Excerpt
The first in a series of three articles on case management, previously published in The Japanese Journal of Nursing Education & Nursing Research: Quality Nursing, demonstrates the basics of case management from an Eastern POV. Although some of the material may be a review of the fundamentals, an interesting and exciting perspective is created in the vision of case management as seen through the eyes of another culture. As we look to the future, let us remember our primary mission.
Highlighting the realities of the present and looking to the future, one speaker at the Medical Case Management Convention Conference in Denver (September 2002) stressed the importance of “vision” to case management, and its alignment with the vision of the parent organization. This alignment is essential whether the “parent” organization is one for which the case manager works, or is a fundamental case management organization such as the Case Management Society of America (CMSA). In “Issues and Interventions,” Stefani Daniels discusses core concerns for the survival of case management- and explains that the lack of vision may be a prime impediment to success.
In December 2002, several case management experts participated in an exercise that would find our common vision and shape case management’s future. Sponsored by the Academy of Certified Case Managers (ACCM) and the CMSA, the meeting’s tone was based on the spirit of “it’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.”Visioneering Case Management’s Future (the meeting’s mission) was based on the book entitled Visioneering, by Andy Stanley. During this session case managers from all case management modalities evaluated the current state of affairs and brainstormed new possibilities. One recurring theme centered on “processes” currently used in case management; how do they assist, or fall short, with present healthcare challenges? We have no choice but to work within the healthcare system as it exists, but during this day in Chicago, new recommendations began forming (See Visioneering Case Management’s Future Press Release).
According to James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner in The Leadership Challenge (1987), “Leaders must challenge the process because systems will unconsciously conspire to maintain the status quo and prevent change. ” In Chicago we began challenging our case management processes. But there is much work that remains to be done, and case managers everywhere must be heard. So now I challenge you-the case manager. Our mission in healthcare must be centered in boldness, rather than merely seeing where we “fit in” and pronouncing our worth. What is your vision of case management in 1 year? New regulations may be the ticket for case managers to shine. Currently a major endeavor exists whereby public reporting of quality measures in all levels of care is being mandated. Examine what is being measured, as there is a perfect fit for case management. What is your vision of case management in 5 years, in 15 years? Look beyond the healthcare barriers of 2003; think of a better vision.
I leave you with a quote that has been attributed to at least two different individuals. In the spirit of “visioneering” when no one cares who gets the credit, absorb the message as we “visioneer” our future:
LCM Journal would appreciate your ideas, recommendations, and visions for case management’s future. Send comments and visions to LCMJournal@aol.com.
