Q&A: Upcoming challenges for case managers

Q: Going into the fall and winter months, what resources can case managers rely on when responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?

A: The recent passage of federal regulations mandating testing of all nursing home staff should help reduce outbreaks, says Ellen Fink-Samnick, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCM, CRP, author of the HCPro book The Social Determinants of Health: Case Management’s Next Frontier.

“This has been of some benefit to safeguard current residents, but the challenges of effectively transitioning patients from the hospital remain,” she says. “Some states went from not accepting anyone to allowing transfers with appropriate testing. Some areas continue to report new clusters and onsets of COVID-19 transmission.”

Case managers will continue to be challenged by the pandemic going forward. Their ability to find creative solutions will continue to be imperative. Fink-Samnick recommends utilizing the following resources:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published guidance for transferring patients during COVID-19. The site is regularly updated with precautions and transfer process recommendations.
• The Los Angeles County Public Health Department published their recommendations for transfers.
• The National Transitions of Care Coalition has several tools on its website, including a screening tool.

For more on this topic, see October's issue of Case Management Monthly.