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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
Supporting the Support System: How Assessment and Communication Can Help Patients and Their Support Systems
Jane Harkey1, Jared Young, Jolynne Jo Carter
1Jane Harkey, MSW, RN-BC, CCM, is Chair of the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC), the first and largest nationally accredited organization that certifies case managers. She is also a geriatric case manager. Jared Young, PsyD, LCSW, CCM, is a CCMC Commissioner and a psychologist and therapist in private practice. Jolynne "Jo" Carter, BSN, RN, CCM, is a CCMC Commissioner and a Past Chair. She is also Vice President of Network Services for Paradigm Outcomes. Michael Demoratz, PhD, LCSW, CCM, is a CCMC Commissioner and an Aging Life Care Professional.
Case managers should assess and support patient social networks, as stressed relationships negatively impact health. Extending advocacy to support systems improves patient outcomes and reduces caregiver burden.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Advocacy
- Social Determinants of Health
Background:
- Social support systems are crucial for patients with serious health issues.
- Lack of social involvement increases mortality risk.
- Relationship stress negatively impacts patients and caregivers behaviorally, psychosocially, and physiologically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To encourage case managers to assess patient support systems.
- To highlight the impact of support system stress on patient well-being.
- To advocate for extending case manager advocacy to include support systems.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of case management practices across various settings (hospital, home health, geriatrics, mental health, palliative, hospice).
- Assessment of patient support systems during the case management process.
- Utilizing communication skills, including motivational interviewing, to identify and address support system stresses.
Main Results:
- Case managers identify the needs of support system members.
- Communication strategies help uncover issues impacting health goals.
- Informed patients and support systems lead to better care transitions.
Conclusions:
- Case managers serve as advocates for both patients and their support systems.
- Sensitivity to support system needs reduces stress.
- Reduced support system stress contributes to positive patient outcomes.
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