Q&A: Case managers utilizing technology for remote work

Q: Beyond the need for laptops and internet connectivity, are there any other technological solutions that can be helpful as case managers work remotely?

A: Some experts project years before a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, so it’s a good idea to start thinking about remote work as a long-term scenario.

For case managers, it may be beneficial to invest in resources that measure staff productivity and other work-related metrics. One top-rated tool is Time Doctor, which allows the director to use screen capture to view the project a case manager is working on. Additionally, the tool allows the director to track time spent on a task, websites visited, productivity, attendance, and many other metrics.

If the budget does not allow for the purchase of these tools, a hospital’s IT department may be able to determine if a productivity measuring tool is available as part of the organization’s electronic medical record package.

Editor’s Note: The answer to this question was provided by June Stark, RN, BSN, MEd in the July issue of Case Management Monthly. Stark is an adjunct instructor at HCPro and an adjunct professor at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts.