Posted on 11/09/2015 - 12:00 AM
Contact: Sandy Mau
Health2 Resources
703.394.5395
smau@health2resources.com
Resources for patients, their caregivers and case managers
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ, Nov. 9, 2015—More than 29 million Americans—almost one in 10, both
adults and children—suffer from diabetes, a disease linked to kidney failure, heart disease, stroke
and blindness. The Commission for Case Manager Certification® today announced a resource
toolkit for case managers to help those with diabetes and their caregivers better manage this chronic
condition. The resources are available at no cost via the Commission’s online knowledge resource,
the Case Management Body of Knowledge® (www.cmbodyofknowledge.com).
Diabetes often comes with associated health concerns—such as obesity and heart disease—that
complicate a patient’s ability to navigate the complex array of financial, physical and emotional
demands. Case managers work with patients with chronic conditions like diabetes to set personal
goals for better health. A care plan may include diet and exercise targets, managing and tracking
medications, and obtaining the regular care needed for screenings and condition monitoring.
The Diabetes Case Manager Toolkit, developed by AstraZeneca, references research from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the American
Diabetes Association and peer-reviewed health journals, with targeted information for caregivers,
patients and case managers. The materials aimed at case managers focus on risk factors and offer
useful tips and references for patient education. Fact sheets for patients and caregivers are written in
plain language and include discussion points about complications, medications, lifestyle changes
and risk factors. There is also a checklist for speaking to their doctor to learn more.
“Case managers can access these resources to help patients make decisions that align with their
personal values, needs and preferences, using the best available evidence for screening, treatment,
and condition management,” said Patrice Sminkey, the Commission’s CEO. “When the patient has
a clear picture of the path forward, commitment to it comes more easily because there’s personal
ownership and understanding. Communicating clearly and ensuring information is understood is
part of the case manager’s daily role.”
The Diabetes Case Manager Toolkit is accessed through the Commission’s Case Management Body
of Knowledge (CMBOK®), the detailed, comprehensive knowledge resource for case managers to
access authoritative content authored by subject matter experts and peer-reviewed for validity. The
resources are available at no cost at www.cmbodyofknowledge.com.
About the Commission for Case Manager Certification
The Commission for Case Manager Certification (the Commission) is the first and largest nationally
accredited organization that certifies more than 37,000 professional case managers. The
Commission is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that oversees the process of case manager
certification with its CCM® credential. The Commission is positioned as the most active and
prestigious certification organization supporting the practice of case management. For more
information, visit www.ccmcertification.org, connect with the Commission on Facebook or follow
us on Twitter @CCM_Cert.