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Setting Realistic Expectations in Healthcare

01 May, 2025 Anne Llewellyn

                               
Case Management Focus

One key role nurse case managers play is assisting injured workers, their families and other support system individuals set realistic expectations as they enter and navigate the complex healthcare system.  

Our healthcare system is complex, fragmented, and sometimes seems uncaring. No other service industry presents as many challenges. As a result, case managers must educate injured workers and their families as to how the system works, and unfortunately, how it does not work. Helping clients understand how they can work within the complex system and become their own best advocate is a vital case management function.  

As we know, additional issues arise when working with injured workers on a claim. Having a nurse case manager on the file to look at the bigger picture supports problem-solving solutions, saving time and lowering stress for all concerned. The combination of education and advocacy improves outcomes for the injured worker and supports the entire healthcare team.   

Including injured workers and their families in discussions with the healthcare team ensures they have a voice in decision making. The opportunity to be an integral part of the team goes a long way toward setting realistic expectations.  

One way I approach the issue of education and advocacy is by treating my clients as I want to be treated. Doing so brings a touch of humanity back to a healthcare system that often seems cold and uncaring.  

Thank you for reading this post. Please let me know if you have a comment on this post or an idea for future posts. You can reach me via email at allewellyn48@gmail.com.  

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    About The Author

    • Anne Llewellyn

      Anne Llewellyn is a registered nurse with over forty years of experience in critical care, risk management, case management, patient advocacy, healthcare publications and training and development. Anne has been a leader in the area of Patient Advocacy since 2010. She was a Founding member of the Patient Advocate Certification Board and is currently serving on the National Association of Health Care Advocacy. Anne writes a weekly Blog, Nurse Advocate to share stories and events that will educate and empower people be better prepared when they enter the healthcare system.

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