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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Joyce Splann Krothe, DNS, RN and Gary Schepper, MSN, FNP. School of Nursing, Indiana University, 1033 East Third St., Sycamore Hall, Rm. 400, Bloomington, IN 47405-7005, 812-855-1731, jkrothe@indiana.edu
The vital role of case management will be examined in relation to the experience of a nurse managed clinic serving residents of a rural Indiana county. The clinic was established in 1996 to meet the health needs of residents who live in a Medically Underserved Area (MUA) and a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). It is essential that health care for under-served populations be linked to other social and community based services in order for long term health goals to be realized. Clients past experience with a system focused on episodic care and fee for service has often eroded their trust level, making them reluctant to seek further care, thereby increasing health disparities for this client population. It is necessary for public health nurses to assume an advocacy role as case managers for their clients in order to connect them with essential services.This presentation will explore two case studies of uninsured and under-insured rural residents who have been clients at the nurse-managed clinic to illustrate the case management role that nurses have provided. This role has enhanced client satisfaction and well being; thus positively affecting long term health outcomes. The challenge of implementing the role of case management in an era of managed care will be described. Strategies implemented by nurses to engage the community in addressing the underlying factors which lead to health disparities will be included.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Case Management, Underserved Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.