Developing an information management plan.
With demands for outcomes measurement data increasing, case managers can quickly become overburdened with data-collection responsibilities. That's why it's more important than ever to coordinate information flow and minimize redundant data gathering by case managers. The first step in developing an information management plan is to identify who in the organization is gathering, analyzing, and using performance data. That means being aware of what departments outside of case management are doing. Then the case management department can design electronic linkages with computerized databases that contain information necessary to support improvement efforts. Any information management plan should contain provisions governing the release of performance measurement data. Issues to consider include: the patient's right to confidentiality; JCAHO standards and state statutes pertaining to hospital information systems; hospital policies and procedures on departmental information systems; and physicians' and employees' right to confidentiality.