Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What role do case managers play in the transition from hospital to home health care?

1. Providing medical treatments in the home

2. Implementing hospital discharge policies

3. Coordinating multiple services for continuity of care

4. Writing prescriptions for home health needs

The correct answer is: Coordinating multiple services for continuity of care

Case managers play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home health care by coordinating multiple services for continuity of care. This involves assessing the patient’s needs post-discharge, communicating with various healthcare providers, and organizing necessary services such as physical therapy, nursing care, and medical supplies. Their work reflects an understanding of the complexities of patient care, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive support that addresses their medical, psychological, and social needs. By focusing on coordinating care, case managers help to prevent gaps in treatment, reducing the risk of readmissions and promoting a better recovery environment at home. This role is essential in bridging the divide between hospital care and community health resources, which is increasingly important in today’s healthcare systems that emphasize integrated care. In contrast, providing medical treatments in the home is typically not within a case manager’s scope of practice—they facilitate access to services rather than deliver them. Implementing hospital discharge policies is generally the responsibility of the hospital staff, not specifically the case manager, although they may assist in this process. Writing prescriptions for home health needs is a function reserved for licensed medical practitioners, not case managers. Thus, the primary function of a case manager during the transition is effectively seen in their coordination role, making them instrumental in the