Unit 5: Case Management and Coordination

Question 1

The Role of Occupational Therapy

Answer 1

Important in Case Management, Care Coordination, and interprofessional collaboration

• As an OT we do not just treat conditions and clients in order to seek out reduction of symptoms and improvement of function
• The focus should be on how we can ensure sustained outcomes for the clients we work with.
• This includes overall improvements in health and lifestyle habits, development of positive health behaviors, increasing access to care and improved care coordination across disciplines

Question 2

Care Coordination

Answer 2

-The intentional organization of patient care across two or more participants involved in that person’s care.
-Involves communication, organization, flexibility, problem-solving skills, and collaboration. In many ways, because OT’s are skilled at examining client factors, context, and the environment they have a unique perspective that lends itself to a strong care coordination skill set.
-Ex. This can include coordination between the client, caregivers, therapy professionals, medical professionals, and insurance.
OT’s are client-centered and have a client-first mentality which puts us in a unique position to advocate for the unique needs of each individual client.

Question 3

Occupational Therapists as Case Managers

Answer 3

• OT’s bring collaboration and an emphasis on health promotion, self-care management, cognition, and safety that is important for the long term well- being of clients.
• OT’s recognize that clients should be directly involved with the treatment planning, discharge planning, and case management process.
• Capable of acknowledging clients’ self-identified goals, details of medical conditions and functional limitations, and the unique social and environmental situation that may influence the patient experience.

Question 4

Interprofessional Collaboration

Answer 4

• In today’s healthcare system OT’s must be able to both coordinate and manage care and also work as part of an interprofessional team.
• Involves recognizing the strength of other professionals and also advocating and verbalizing the unique role that occupational therapy places as part of that team.
• Interprofessional practice emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, respectful communication, and recognizes that each member of the team should have an equal voice.
• Every person plays a unique role and has different responsibilities with regards to patient care.
• Interprofessional collaboration and practice leads to better patient outcomes.