ABSTRACT
Many political, economic, and social factors are influencing health care providers to consider case-management programs. The authors describe a computer-supported, hospital-based case management program for elderly patients and report on the benefits and drawbacks of the program. Primary benefits include access to better client data, improved discharge planning capabilities, and greater program efficiency. Drawbacks chiefly are related to the difficulties inherent in introducing computerization into a human service setting. Overall, the program is a beneficial addition to patient care efforts and is a valuable tool for tracking high-risk patients in acute-care settings.
Subject(s)
Computer Systems , Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care/methods , Patient Care Planning/methods , Patient Discharge , Aged , Chronic Disease , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Health Services/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , TexasABSTRACT
Discharge from the acute care setting frequently represents a serious crisis for the catastrophically ill. Family members and the patient are expected to resume responsibility quickly for ongoing care while simultaneously coping with significant alterations in established role and behavior patterns. The dynamics of this transition are discussed and suggestions for helping the family cope with this crisis are offered.
Subject(s)
Catastrophic Illness , Crisis Intervention , Family , Patient Discharge , Adaptation, Psychological , Aftercare , Continuity of Patient Care , Hospitalization , Humans , Professional-Family Relations , Social Support , Social Work Department, HospitalABSTRACT
Many aspects of the discharge-planning function have been discussed by social workers, but the therapeutic possibilities inherent in this task have been largely ignored. Examining the social context within which illness, hospitalization, and convalescence or adaptation occur permits recognition of the alternatives for creative intervention. This examination also provides a framework for understanding the intrinsically disruptive nature of discharge from an acute care setting as well as the dangers and possibilities for change.
Subject(s)
Hospital Departments/organization & administration , Patient Discharge , Sick Role , Social Work Department, Hospital/organization & administration , Therapeutics , Family , Humans , United StatesABSTRACT
Severe head injury causes significant health and social problems. Among adolescents and young adults such trauma is particularly devastating in that developmental progress is halted and prolonged dependency engendered. It is important for social workers to understand the dynamics of this process in order to help such patients and their families cope with their long-term consequences. Common sequelae of severe head injury are outlined, and various approaches to intervention suggested.
