How can you improve case conferencing with multidisciplinary teams?

1 Define the purpose and scope

Before you initiate or join a case conference, you need to have a clear understanding of the purpose and scope of the meeting. What are the goals and objectives of the case conference? Who are the key stakeholders and participants? What are their roles and responsibilities? How often and how long will the case conference take place? How will the meeting be conducted and facilitated? Having a clear and shared vision of the case conference can help you prepare, participate, and follow up effectively.

2 Prepare and share relevant information

One of the benefits of case conferencing is that it allows you to share and access relevant information about the client or the group of clients that you are working with. However, this also requires some preparation and organization. You need to gather and review the information that you need to present or discuss at the case conference, such as assessment results, progress reports, care plans, or feedback from the client or other providers. You also need to share this information with the other participants in advance, if possible, or at least at the beginning of the meeting. This can help you avoid duplication, confusion, or misunderstanding, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

3 Communicate respectfully and effectively

Case conferencing is an opportunity to communicate with other professionals from different disciplines and sectors, who may have different perspectives, opinions, and experiences. This can be enriching, but also challenging. You need to communicate respectfully and effectively with the other participants, by listening actively, asking questions, clarifying issues, providing feedback, and acknowledging contributions. You also need to be aware of and respect the cultural, linguistic, and ethical diversity of the participants and the clients. You can use strategies such as paraphrasing, summarizing, or using visual aids to facilitate communication and understanding.

4 Document and follow up on action items

A case conference is not only a discussion, but also a decision-making process. You need to document and follow up on the action items that are agreed upon at the case conference, such as referrals, interventions, evaluations, or revisions of the care plan. You need to assign roles and responsibilities, set timelines and deadlines, and monitor progress and outcomes. You also need to communicate and report any changes, updates, or issues that arise after the case conference, to the other participants and the client. You can use tools such as templates, checklists, or software to help you document and follow up on action items.

5 Evaluate and improve the process

Case conferencing is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that can be improved over time. You need to evaluate and improve the process of case conferencing, by soliciting and providing feedback, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and implementing changes and improvements. You can use methods such as surveys, focus groups, or audits to collect and analyze feedback and data. You can also use standards, guidelines, or best practices to benchmark and improve the quality and effectiveness of case conferencing.

Case conferencing can be a powerful tool for case management, if done well. By following these tips and strategies, you can improve case conferencing with multidisciplinary teams, and enhance the care and support of your clients.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?