• Toni Cesta.
• Hosp Case Manag. 2015 Jun 1;23(6):71-4.

AbstractThis month we have begun reviewing the top mistakes hospitals make within their case management department's infrastructure. As discussed, the biggest mistake is to not clearly and prospectively define the roles of the RN case manager and the social worker to optimize each discipline's skill sets. Associated with this mistake is to have inadequate patient ratios assigned to each discipline. These mistakes are related and when roles are not clearly defined, it becomes almost impossible to understand or advocate for appropriate staffing ratios. If it appears that nurses and social workers can all do the same things equally well, then the organization will likely choose to go with the professional group that will cost the organization the least amount of money. In the end, this logic is penny-wise and pound foolish. We do both disciplines a disservice when we don't apply their skill sets adequately and don't have each group functioning at the "top of their license!" Next month, we will continue to discuss the top mistakes hospitals make in their acute care management departments' design. We will discuss the use of clerical support staff, assessments, and days of coverage.

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