How does case management services delivered by the public health nurse differ from the traditional nursing care performed in hospital nursing? What are some of the unique legal issues faced by the nurse in providing case management or home-based services? How would the nurse address these issues? 350 words: 2 scholarly cites
Case management services delivered by a public health nurse diverge from traditional nursing care performed in hospital settings due to the emphasis on community-based care and the holistic approach to addressing clients’ health needs. In hospital nursing, the focus is primarily on providing acute care to patients within the facility. In contrast, case management services offered by public health nurses involve assessing, coordinating, and managing the care of individuals and families in their homes or community environments (Lundy & Janes, 2018). This shift in setting and scope necessitates a different skill set and approach from the nurse.
One significant difference between hospital nursing and community-based case management is the level of autonomy and independence the nurse possesses in each setting. In hospital nursing, the nurse usually works as part of a larger healthcare team and follows established protocols and guidelines. On the other hand, in case management services, the public health nurse often works independently and must make clinical decisions based on their own assessment and judgment.
Moreover, while hospital nursing predominantly focuses on the physical aspects of care, case management entails a more holistic approach that encompasses the social, emotional, and environmental factors influencing a person’s health status. Public health nurses engage in activities such as health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and coordinating resources and services to address these broader determinants of health (Kendall-Raynor, 2015).
The provision of case management or home-based services involves unique legal issues for nurses. One significant concern is maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy, given that care takes place in the client’s home environment (American Nurses Association, 2015). Unlike hospital settings where confidentiality can be more easily safeguarded, homes may have other individuals present, raising potential challenges to privacy. Nurses should address this issue by ensuring appropriate consent is obtained for the disclosure of information to others and by using clear communication strategies to protect patients’ confidentiality.
Another legal issue faced by nurses in case management is the potential for liability. As nurses are often working independently in the community, the risk of encountering situations with higher potential for adverse outcomes or adverse events may increase. To address this issue, nurses should ensure they have robust professional liability insurance coverage and maintain clear and accurate documentation of their assessments, interventions, and communication with clients and other healthcare providers (Kendall-Raynor, 2015). Additionally, adherence to professional standards of practice, such as following established guidelines and protocols, can also mitigate liability concerns.
Furthermore, public health nurses providing case management services must be aware of the legal and ethical implications of working with vulnerable populations. They may frequently encounter individuals who are elderly, economically disadvantaged, or have mental health issues, which can present additional challenges. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about applicable laws and regulations related to these populations, such as those governing informed consent, guardianship, or reporting of abuse or neglect (Lundy & Janes, 2018).