Respiratory-Copd Case Manager

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Provides comprehensive education to patients diagnosed with pulmonary disease, specifically Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and pneumonia. Acts as a liaison to physicians and discharge planners to ensure adequate education and safe discharge. Provides post-discharge follow-up and discharge monitoring to answer patient/family questions, ensure physician appointment commitments and the provision of consistent post-discharge care.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Assists with the creation of a disease management program for COPD patients.

3. *Educates patients to increase awareness of their disease, options for care and improve symptom control.

4. *Utilizes tools to identify patients admitted to the hospital and screen for case management assessment and participation.

5. *Arranges for post-discharge follow-up with patient's physician within five (5) days, if not already scheduled.

6. Ensures the discharge planning process for pulmonary disease patients is clear and comprehensive for staff to implement.

7. * Understands pulmonary disease states.

8. *Educates and trains patients and family or caregivers in the proper use of respiratory medications and respiratory equipment, airway clearance, energy conservation, breathing exercises, smoking cessation, and all aspects of symptom management and control.

9. Collaborates with physicians to ensure that the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) standards are followed for medications.

10. Develops updated/additional education materials for therapists working with COPD patients.

11. Implements ongoing and new strategies to achieve system goals for readmission, length of stay and quality measures related to pulmonary disease.

12. Reports quality and productivity data of performance goals per system initiatives.

13. Communicates with primary care providers to provide education for discharged patients.

14. Coordinates patient care with other departments, as appropriate.

15. Identifies patients appropriate for pulmonary rehab and facilitates program enrollment.

16. Coordinates testing, immunizations, and tobacco cessation education and activities according to standards.

17. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

18. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

19. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*." Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of current literature, issues, trends, treatment of pulmonary disease, i.e., pneumonia, COPD and others.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Knowledge of GOLD standards for pulmonary disease treatment and management.

4. Knowledge of readmissions prevention and penalties.

5. Knowledge of post-discharge destinations and options.

6. Knowledge of data abstraction, data management and statistical analysis.

7. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

8. Ability to organize and utilize time and resources in an effective manner.

9. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

10. Ability to support and maintain performance and quality improvement initiatives.

11. Ability to prepare and maintain records, written reports and respond to correspondence using a computer.

12. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying.

13. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.

14. Ability to work collaboratively with administrators, physicians, nurses and other health care providers.

15. Ability to demonstrate relationship building skills with patients and families.

16. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy or related field work required. License to practice respiratory care in the state of Nebraska required. Minimum of one (1) year experience providing discharge planning and patient education required. Prior experience interacting with physicians, patients and their support system(s) preferred.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.

Completion of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Pulmonary Disease Educator course required within six (6) months.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) - Characterized as light work requiring exertion up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.