Authors

  1. Fink-Samnick, Ellen MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCM, CRP

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives: This article will focus on the following objectives specific to end-of-life care for professional case management:

 

1. Discuss recent industry topics that influence care processes.

 

2. Explore the opioid epidemic's impact on pain management.

 

3. Identify terms associated with end-of-life and life-limiting care.

 

4. Understand types of advance directives and care defining tools.

 

5. Define the purpose of psychiatric advance directives.

 

6. Discuss the shifting diagnostic face.

 

7. Discuss how inclusion manifests for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) population.

 

8. Explore challenges working through adolescent decision making and treatment.

 

9. Review regulation and reimbursement shifts across the industry.

 

10. Identify the use of artificial intelligence.

 

11. Discuss the value of ethics committees in health care organizations.

 

12. Define the Four Cs of Care Considerations.

 

13. Identify ethical principles for consideration by the workforce.

 

 

Primary Practice Settings: Applicable to all settings across the transitions of care where case management practice occurs.

 

Findings/Conclusions: Continuing shifts in society's cultural landscape, ongoing emphasis on value versus volume, and other industry fiscal imperatives continue to evoke an evolution in end-of-life care. The attainment of successful outcomes by professional case managers with those populations will be dependent on awareness and comprehension of regulations, legislation, and reimbursement; the influences of ongoing industry trends; availability of emerging resources; and ongoing technological advances. Ethical excellence remains at the core of case management across the interprofessional workforce and the transitions of care.

 

Implications for Case Management Practice: The professional case management workforce is tasked to effectively intervene across diverse client populations, with their caregivers and support systems. This action spans every life stage and illness course. With end-of-life care treatment and processes continuing to receive prime industry attention, case managers must be knowledgeable of the moving parts of this arena. Awareness of the ethical edges of each professional's sandbox is essential to quality-driven case management practice.