Functions and Concepts of Case Management in the Work of a Patient Care Specialist. Protection Function

Abstract

In line with WHO's goal of providing continuous and integrated patient care, case management focuses on the field of direct care and seeks to transcend organizational and professional boundaries on a case-by-case basis. The selection and specialization of participants in the division of labor in this area focuses on a common goal. This requires the initiation of a collaborative process in which a person or group of people takes responsibility for coordinating care over a period of time or throughout the course of care. Case management should support people who, for certain reasons (illness or disability), cannot perceive their interests and independently organize their affairs. The aim is to offer the client self-help help in order to avoid permanent addiction. At the same time, the protection function acquires a socio-political dimension: through case management, the shortcomings of the social security system become visible. This refers to those positions that are responsible for guaranteeing the provision of needs-oriented social security. The task of those holding these positions / positions is to create the best prerequisites for the implementation of targeted strategies of activity. Currently, case managers take on diverse functions, in particular the function of a navigator, supporting the client, for example, in his attempts to navigate a variety of service offerings, departmental regulations and legal norms. The lawyer function of case management plays a significant role, since patients / clients and their relatives are in a difficult and sensitive life situation and, in need of help, are not able to defend their interests.