How do you use digital tools to enhance case management for chronic disease patients?

Case management for chronic disease patients is a complex and demanding task that requires coordination, communication, and continuity of care. As a case manager, you need to keep track of multiple aspects of your patients' health, such as their medications, appointments, symptoms, goals, and preferences. You also need to collaborate with other health care providers, family members, and community resources to ensure your patients receive the best possible support. How can you use digital tools to enhance your case management practice and improve your patients' outcomes? Here are some examples of how technology can help you streamline your workflow, engage your patients, and monitor their progress.

1 Electronic health records

Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of your patients' medical histories, diagnoses, treatments, and other relevant information. EHRs can help you access and update your patients' data anytime and anywhere, as well as share it securely with other authorized providers. EHRs can also help you reduce errors, duplication, and paperwork, as well as generate reports and reminders for your patients. EHRs can also integrate with other digital tools, such as patient portals, telehealth platforms, and mobile apps, to enhance your case management practice.

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Lea Mosqueda

Mental Health Specialist at Beach Creek Post-Acute
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In my experience , it is great with technology. There are disadvantages that really frustrate me during internet downtime. Another disadvantage is for those co-worker that is not computer savvy, having difficulty navigating. The advantage is obvious, efficiency.

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Dr.Ajay G.
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Digital tools which can store patient data like EHR, EMR in an app form can be used and alerts are there which can indicate sudden surge in BP or diabetes or Heart rate, oxygen level, Spo2 level too so that patient remains informed and even medication alerts app are there which are important for aged patients

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2 Patient portals

Patient portals are secure online platforms that allow your patients to access their own health information, such as lab results, prescriptions, and care plans. Patient portals can also enable your patients to communicate with you and other providers, schedule appointments, request refills, and pay bills. Patient portals can help you empower your patients to take an active role in their own care, as well as improve their satisfaction and adherence. Patient portals can also help you save time and resources by reducing phone calls, emails, and no-shows.

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3 Telehealth platforms

Telehealth platforms are digital tools that enable you to deliver health care services remotely, such as video consultations, phone calls, text messages, and emails. Telehealth platforms can help you overcome barriers such as distance, transportation, and accessibility, and provide your patients with convenient and timely care. Telehealth platforms can also help you monitor your patients' symptoms, vital signs, and behaviors, as well as provide them with education, coaching, and feedback. Telehealth platforms can also help you collaborate with other providers, such as specialists, pharmacists, and therapists, to coordinate your patients' care.

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Lea Mosqueda

Mental Health Specialist at Beach Creek Post-Acute
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During the pandemic telehealth was our savior. At first out clients was not happy about it however we were successful in making them familiarize the process by educating them and be with them for support. Our clients eventually get used to it, however they would comment when can we see you in person doctor?

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4 Mobile apps

Mobile apps are software applications that run on smartphones, tablets, or other devices, and provide your patients with various features and functions related to their health. Mobile apps can help you educate your patients about their chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart failure, and provide them with tips and resources to manage them. Mobile apps can also help you motivate your patients to adopt healthy behaviors, such as physical activity, nutrition, and stress management, and provide them with incentives and rewards. Mobile apps can also help you collect and analyze your patients' data, such as blood glucose levels, blood pressure, or mood, and provide them with personalized feedback and recommendations.

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Lea Mosqueda

Mental Health Specialist at Beach Creek Post-Acute
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Youtube app. really provided tremendous impact in our work pre pandemic, pandemic and post pandemic. Our clients can request their favorite music during exercise time. In socialization events, parties and for personal use. Netflex a huge help for watching movies during pandemic, helps ease the "cabin feel."

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Dr.Ajay G.
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Digital tools can assist greatly in case management like EHR, EMR, Clinical decision support system, integration, interoperability are a huge plus as it helps in case management and improves outcome of care

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5 Wearable devices

Wearable devices are electronic gadgets that your patients can wear on their body, such as wristbands, watches, or patches, and measure various aspects of their health, such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, or sleep quality. Wearable devices can help you track your patients' health status, activity levels, and adherence to treatment, as well as alert you to any changes or risks. Wearable devices can also help you engage your patients in their own care, as well as provide them with feedback and encouragement. Wearable devices can also connect with other digital tools, such as EHRs, patient portals, telehealth platforms, and mobile apps, to enhance your case management practice.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dwight Pattison

Elevating Healthcare Excellence: Quality, HEDIS, and STAR Ratings Expert
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Case loads can be significant for CMs to manage. The best digital tools for Case Management that I’ve seen incorporate clinical data or claims/auth data on the payor side to monitor patients and identify needs. A flagging system when health status changes or other indicators suggesting intervention is needed ensures quick engagement occurs.

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Amy Jantz

RN, BSN
(edited)
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I would agree very much with Dwight's comments as well. It is imperative for provider teams to be able to quickly see the bigger picture of a patient's health and having platforms which can help identify this is critical. Often times, it is additional payer platforms along side both quality and EMR systems that can all work together that can help identify these changes. It is critical that these platforms help providers identify these patients for continued quality care and intervention.

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Dr.Ajay G.
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Chronic patients can benefit from telehealth consultations, AI tools can be used to gage monitoring parameters and other physical parameters can be gazed

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How do you use digital tools to enhance case management for chronic disease patients?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Electronic health records

2 Patient portals

3 Telehealth platforms

4 Mobile apps

5 Wearable devices

6 Here’s what else to consider

Case Management

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How do you use digital tools to enhance case management for chronic disease patients?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Electronic health records

2 Patient portals

3 Telehealth platforms

4 Mobile apps

5 Wearable devices

6 Here’s what else to consider

Case Management

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