Biomedical subjects

L J Redford

Publications and source records attributed to L J Redford.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Interactive televideo and the Internet in rural case management.

The purpose of this article is to stir the imagination and incite the creative energies of case managers in finding ways to capitalize on communication and information technologies to improve access to care as well as the quality of care in rural communities. Today, the general dearth of services and logistics of providing services in rural areas challenges even the most seasoned case managers. Given the current economic and political climate, it is unlikely that these challenges will lessen, particularly if we continue to pursue our more traditional approaches to case management and service delivery. Telecommunications technologies are opening exciting opportunities for changing this trajectory and expanding the role and reach of case managers, while improving access to many services. This article highlights the new and the potential applications of interactive televideo in health and human services, as well as the vast opportunities offered by the Internet. There are, however, also pitfalls we must overcome to realize the full potential of these technologies. Case managers, in their roles as advocates, coordinators, and facilitators, are ideally positioned to be on the cutting edge of these technological applications and play a catalytic role in moving rural communities into the "information age."

Case Management↗

PubMed1997

Decision making by high functional status elders regarding nursing home placement.

An analysis of the Minimum Data Set Plus (MDS+) from one midwestern state revealed a group of "high functional elders" entering nursing homes, who potentially could be served in the community at a lower cost. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and better understand the reasons why these apparently high functioning elder adults entered nursing homes. Data from the 1995 MDS+ were used to identify "high functional" elders recently admitted to the nursing home from two urban and seven rural counties. Data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Of the 33 persons judged to be high functional, only 36% remained in the nursing home 3 to 6 months later. Most elders were using a wide array of community-based services and extensive informal support networks prior to entering the nursing home. Most described specific events that forced them into the nursing home environment. Health needs, specifically the need for 24-hour care or supervision, emerged as the dominant factor for remaining in the nursing home. Of the 12 elders interviewed, all demonstrated some evidence of cognitive impairment. This study suggests that there are persons in nursing facilities today for whom community-based services, such as affordable assisted-living, would be reasonable and appropriate. Case managers may be the most qualified not only to assess for and coordinate services, but also to advocate for affordable services that preserve elders' functional status.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1992

Case management. The wave of the future.

Nurses and social workers are often placed in case management positions without an understanding of the basic philosophy or skills necessary for functioning effectively in this role. While the general components of the case management process are familiar to people from both professions, the specific procedures and goals of the process are quite different from those the participants learned during their basic educational preparation. This article explores the growing need for case management and offers a plan for effective training and skills necessary for the successful case manager. It describes the effects of case management on resource allocation, on the quality of its clients' lives, and on the systems within which it operates. It provides a clear overview of the important role that the case manager plays in sustaining the independence of older persons.

Aged↗