3 minute read
From the Executive Editor
Holiday Reflections and Cautious Optimism
Catherine M. Mullahy
Another year is coming to a close. Thankfully, it looks like the future is more hopeful with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, although progress is being made more slowly than any of us might have imagined. There’s a saying that perhaps you’ve heard, or even used, and that’s: “…Not so fast…” in response to stating some good news. So, just as we seemed to be seeing a light at the end of the very long and seemingly endless COVID-19 tunnel, there has been the emergence of another variant: this one has been named Omicron. The impact of this variant is yet to be determined, but the uncertainty surrounding it is understandably concerning. Although more adults and children are being vaccinated, others continue to resist getting vaccinated for a variety of reasons. Although it is highly doubtful that we will achieve a 100% vaccination goal, there are other therapeutics that will be able to assist those who contract COVID-19. Breakthrough episodes and continuing concerns about the possibility of additional variants underscore the likelihood that our world will never be quite the same. Still as we cope with the realities of our day-to-day existence, we have become more resilient and determined to live each day as fully as possible.
Case managers continue to pursue opportunities to improve their dayto-day practice and to find greater fulfillment in their unique role in an ever-evolving healthcare system. It’s more than a little challenging to stay abreast of evidence-based practice guidelines that would be appropriate for our patients’ conditions. We hope to provide information that supports and educates case management professionals. While an essential role for CareManagement as the official publication for ACCM and CCMC and a member benefit for CMSA is to provide CE opportunities, we also realize
that it’s equally important to share the latest information concerning the dizzying array of pharmaceuticals (PharmaFacts); to scan the literature for the latest developments in medical literature and research (LitScan); to provide legal information that would impact your practice; and to present updates from our industry partners (CMSA, CCMC, CDMS, and CARF). We acknowledge that our most precious commodity, and the one that is least available, is time, and it is our hope that we continue to meet your ongoing needs. As Executive Editor, my goal is to solicit articles and mentor authors, especially those who are actively engaged in the practice of case management. Because there are many different professional disciplines in case management, we are hopeful that those who might be represented include the less well-known groups (eg, physical, occupational, speech, music, and recreational therapists). For example, we would welcome contributions from recreational therapists, so please consider this as an invitation. You can be the sole author or a coauthor within a case management team.
Because of the pandemic, the scope of care that patients have been receiving has changed considerably. While inpatient care was needed to treat the most complex COVID-19 patients, there were also efforts to treat more of those patients on an outpatient basis and to be able to provide more support services to those discharged for longer periods. Professionals such as social workers, pharmacists, pain management specialists, substance abuse team members, and, of course, our case management colleagues, have been valued yet often overstressed, both physically and emotionally. As the pandemic becomes more manageable, we are now just beginning to see the effects on individuals who were unable to receive the non-pandemic-related care that they needed in a timely manner. Needless to say, many are much sicker now. Once again, case managers will be needed to respond to this complex group of individuals. It is important that we take care of ourselves and our colleagues so that we can take care of others.
We hope that you will be able to take some much-needed time to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. Also, take time to pause and reflect on the difference you have
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