UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Ala., celebrated the patient-focused functions of case management, utilization management and social work as part of National Case Management Week, Oct. 12-18, with a case management conference entitled “Case Management, Building Steps to a Brighter Future.”

“The role of the case manager is increasingly critical in this changing economic landscape as the population ages and healthcare becomes increasingly difficult to navigate,” Denise Pruitt, director of utilization management, said via the hospital’s website. “The collaboration of case management, utilization management and social work is necessary for the advocacy of our patients’ safe and timely discharges, home care needs and coverage benefits. Each function is integral to a patient’s holistic health and healing.”

Topics at the conference included healthcare reform, guidelines for Medicare reimbursement, the ethics of end-of-life care and leadership principles in the complex modern world. Martha Dawson, MNHSA, RN, FACHE, assistant professor of nursing was a featured speaker.

Janet Gillipsie, co-author of “Delivered: A Memoir,” presented “My Road to Recovery, her personal story of recovery from addiction.

At Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y., national case management week was celebrated with a celebratory breakfast hosted by director, Valerie Denner, MSN, RN, in appreciation for the case management team. Posters were designed and displayed throughout the facility recognizing each case management team member. A formal email was generated throughout the network informing the facilities staff about case management week and the role that they play in the care of a patient.

National Case Management week recognizes case managers and their contributions in coordinating patient care, enhancing quality and implementing cost-effective clinical interventions.