Examples Of Ethical Dilemmas In Case Management

Case managers work in an environment, in which exposes them to resolve issues in health care delivery leaving them to face ethical issues often. According to “Case Management: A Practical Guide for Education and Practice”, Managed care intersects with scarcity of resources, over 40 million uninsured Americans, and 76 million well-informed baby boomers who are on the verge of turning 65 years of age. This can leave the case manager to be faced with many complex ethical issues and dilemmas. They are often left to be facing ethical issues from the roles they must perform, which is to be the gatekeeper of resources versus patient advocates, and as coordinator facilitators of multidisciplinary teams. (Powell, S., 2010) It all comes down to their

At times case managers are faced with decisions of balancing the needs of their employers, for example doing what is financially best for them, or directly doing what is best for the patient. In this case, when case managers communicate to patients that, insurance companies are denying treatments, surgical procedures doesn’t require inpatient stay, post discharge services such as homecare, or transfer to acute rehab facilities, case managers are taking the side of the organization and not the patient’s

In order to implement strategies effectively the case manager must use key techniques to resolve the issues. Fist; perform variance analysis, which involves taking the issues and breaking it down into smaller ones to find the root problem and cause. Second, Focusing on desired outcomes, which involves identifying data collected, and how the issue can be solved, and identifying limitations. Third, brainstorm alternative strategies or approaches to ensure to choose the best strategy, with optimal result of patient care. Fourth, finding the next best intervention, and finally evaluation of all outcomes. Good communication skills are also important to the role of the case manager. Using techniques such as empowerment, which allows the patients to speak for themselves, and have the time to complete all their thoughts is encouraging to the patient. Establishing trust allows a therapeutic relationship to occur, which essentially facilitates a key in determining the patient’s plan of care. Maintaining respect, and refraining from judgmental body language is important to ensure the patient is comfortable with you. Above all, Active listening to the patient’s and families needs really shows the case manager cares about what they want, and will incorporate this into their plan of care. The