Nurse care manager

Definition

A nurse care manager is a registered nurse who coordinates and manages patient care, particularly for individuals with chronic diseases. This role involves assessing patient needs, developing care plans, and facilitating communication among healthcare providers to ensure patients receive comprehensive and continuous support. Nurse care managers play a crucial part in chronic disease management by promoting self-management strategies and ensuring patients understand their health conditions and treatment options.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nurse care managers focus on helping patients understand their chronic conditions, medication management, and lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
2. They often conduct regular follow-ups with patients to monitor their progress, address concerns, and make necessary adjustments to care plans.
3. Nurse care managers work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, social workers, and dietitians, to create a holistic approach to patient care.
4. They are trained to use evidence-based practices to educate patients on self-management techniques that can lead to better adherence to treatment plans.
5. In many healthcare systems, nurse care managers have been shown to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency room visits through proactive management of chronic conditions.

Review Questions

• How do nurse care managers contribute to the effective management of chronic diseases?
  • Nurse care managers contribute significantly by assessing individual patient needs and creating tailored care plans that address those needs. They provide education on disease management and help patients understand their treatment options, encouraging active participation in their own health care. By facilitating communication among healthcare providers, they ensure continuity of care, which is essential for managing chronic diseases effectively.
• Discuss the role of nurse care managers in promoting self-management support for patients with chronic conditions.
  • Nurse care managers play a vital role in promoting self-management support by equipping patients with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage their health. They provide education about the patient's specific condition, teach self-monitoring techniques, and help set achievable health goals. This empowerment encourages patients to take charge of their health, leading to improved outcomes and greater satisfaction with their care.
• Evaluate the impact of nurse care managers on healthcare costs and patient outcomes in the context of chronic disease management.
  • The presence of nurse care managers has been linked to a reduction in overall healthcare costs by decreasing hospital readmissions and emergency room visits. By providing proactive management and personalized support for patients with chronic diseases, they improve adherence to treatment plans, which results in better health outcomes. Their role in coordinating care among various healthcare providers leads to more efficient use of resources, ultimately enhancing both the quality of patient care and the economic sustainability of healthcare systems.

Related terms

Chronic Disease Management: An ongoing process of coordinating care for individuals with chronic conditions to improve their quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.

Self-Management Support: Strategies and resources provided to patients that empower them to manage their own health conditions effectively.

Care Coordination: The organization of patient care activities between multiple participants involved in a patient's care to enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.