The Case Manager's Training Manual. - book review

AORN Journal, May, 2002 by Kay Lambert Smith

By David W. Plocher, Patricia L. Metzger 2001, 318 pp $59 hardback

This book delves into all aspects of managing patient care. It begins by explaining how most case management programs are structured. The duties and responsibilities of case managers are discussed. It ends with a presentation of scenarios from various medical specialties.

Many facilities are moving away from payer case management to provider case management, and this book focuses on provider case management. The need for communication between different disciplines and health care providers is stressed.

The authors are an RN with an advanced degree and a physician. There are many contributors from the managed care field, including professional nurses, physicians, and personnel with master's degrees in business administration. The importance of a strong clinical background for case managers is discussed.

Many tables and graphs illustrate the information provided. The writing is clear and easy to understand. Many abbreviations are used, but they are presented in a clear manner. The end of each chapter contains suggested reading and recommended web sites.

The book provides step-by-step guidance through the case management process. The authors discuss the need for accuracy in documentation. The case manager's role in preparing for Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations surveys is discussed.

This book would be advantageous to a person new to case management or someone interested in this field. It reviews the duties and responsibilities involved. Experienced nurses in other fields might benefit by increasing their knowledge of the managed care process. Rationale for the care given and tests ordered is presented in a different light.

This book is available from Aspen Publishers, Inc, 200 Orchard Ridge Dr, Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; http://www.aspenpublishers.com.

KAY LAMBERT SMITH
RN, CNOR
CLINTON, IND