Time-sensitive editorials are always interesting. For example, I am writing this Editorial for the September/October 2007 issue, but in reality, I have recently returned from another inspiring CMSA Annual Conference (Denver, Colorado, June 2007). The passion and caring of so many case managers in one hotel was electric. And, as many of you know, Professional Case Management is also the official journal for the National Case Management Network (NCMN) of Canada. I was at a Canadian case management seminar earlier this year and found the same passion, the same caring, and the same spirit up North. Here are just some of the things I learned (or relearned):
1. Case managers are among the most passionate healthcare professionals in the system. With passion comes a high-risk index for burn-out. These conferences are healing because so many networking possibilities are provided (No!! Not because misery loves company!! But because with numbers comes strength!!). However, don't forget self-care throughout the year. You need it and you deserve it.
2. There are many tools and techniques to help us to help our patients. And, some of these tools are evolving!! The Case Management Adherence Guidelines (CMAG) are now becoming condition-specific: diabetes and thromboembolic prevention was provided at the conference via CD.
3. Transitions of care is a huge national issue and can be solved only by breaking down the silos and barriers between different healthcare settings and working collaboratively for the good of the patient. Many groups are trying to get their heads around this mammoth problem including our own National Transitions of Care Coalitions (NTOCC), led by CMSA and sponsored by Sanofi-Aventis. Go to http://www.ntocc.org-all case managers must be aware of, and support, this initiative.
4. A large percentage of case managers are aging. We must focus attention on maintaining the sage pool of knowledge in this group through flexible/desirable job opportunities.
5. With the above thought, we must focus attention on showing our 'young' the beauty and benefits of case management; they must want to learn more and, hopefully, choose a case management career path.
6. Number 5 (the young) comes with a considerable responsibility for Number 4 (the Sages): we must find ways to become mentors. Guest Editorials on this topic are welcome.
This year's National Case Management Week theme is PERFECT. It is A Showing of Hands-Merging Disciplines in Case Management, represented by a colorful pair of hands with inset hearts. Symbolic of the heartfelt work case managers perform everyday, it reflects the varied disciplines of case management, as well as a unique oneness of mind and spirit so prevalent in our industry.
I ask rhetorically: What would the patients do without us? However, then I realize that so many patients-who desperately need what case management has to offer-do not even know about us. That is another prime objective of National Case Management Week-to help educate consumers about who we are, what we do, and our importance to them.
You have so much to be proud of. You deserve recognition for the significant contributions you make to improve quality care for the patients. Professional Case Management Journal celebrates YOU!!
Section Description
Mission Statement:Professional Case Management is a peer-reviewed, progressive journal that crosses all case management settings. PCM uses evidenced-based articles to foster the exchange of ideas, elevate the standard of practice, and improve the quality of patient care.