Final answer:
Case Management is a collaborative process essential in healthcare for coordinating patient care across various services. Its core function ensures individuals receive comprehensive, continuous, and cost-effective care. A care plan is tailored to address all health needs, requiring case managers to exhibit strong communication and negotiation skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term Case Management refers to a collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates options and services to meet an individual's health needs. Usually carried out by healthcare professionals, case management involves advocating for the patient and ensuring they receive quality and cost-effective medical services. The core function of case management is to ensure that the patient’s health care is continuous and comprehensive, especially when interfacing with various parts of the healthcare system. This includes addressing any psychosocial, behavioral, and medical needs and making sure that all aspects of care are well-coordinated.
One of the key elements of case management is creating a care plan tailored to the individual that mobilizes resources and services necessary to meet the individual's health needs. This often requires excellent communication and negotiation skills, as the case manager must often work with different entities and healthcare providers to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient. The ultimate goal is to support the patient in achieving their health and wellness goals in the most efficient and effective manner possible.