Justin’s case is complex but not uncommon as it requires the assessment of all family members and the involvement of the child’s parents to ensure his health. Justin is entirely dependent on his parents and their decisions but also influences his siblings and parents as he has special needs. For this reason, the case manager must act as an educator, coordinator, nurse, and manager to help Justin and his family stay in good health.
The first role that a nurse should play is the educator. Justin has a developmental disability due to hearing loss that parents need to consider to understand his needs during the first months of life and as he grows up. For this reason, the manager needs to educate parents about the different developmental characteristics that Justin may have and how to manage them. In addition, since parents do not believe in vaccinations, the manager’s task is to find the reasons for their position and educate the parents about the need for vaccinations in a household with four children. Studies show that the most common reasons for refusing vaccinations are misconceptions or lack of information, which can be overcome by talking with a qualified professional (McKee & Bohannon, 2016). If the manager can convince parents of the benefits of vaccinations, this shift will help the health of Justin and his siblings. Nevertheless, the manager needs good communication skills and knowledge in pediatrics and immunology to convey the necessary information to parents.
The manager’s second role is to coordinate local social services and parents to provide the family with the resources they need, such as a development center for children with disabilities, a sign language teacher, and a support group for parents. Families with children with disabilities can receive government and health support through benefits and services. However, some services may be inaccessible, unaffordable, or limited, especially if the family lives in remote areas.The manager should also act as a nurse, visiting Justin, his parents, and siblings to assess their physical and mental health (Armold, 2019). Since caring for four children is a priori challenging, and Justin may have problems due to premature birth, this aspect is crucial. Both roles require the organizational skills and professional nursing knowledge of the manager to assess the needs of the family accurately and find suitable solution.
Moreover, the manager must fulfill their managerial responsibilities to ensure effective interprofessional collaboration. The professionals that parents and Justin may need are a mental health therapist, pediatric physician, and pediatric ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist should evaluate Justin’s hearing over time if the hearing loss is partial, and some treatment options may help. A pediatric physician is necessary for the general evaluation of infant health. Parents need a psychologist to assess their condition and provide support, since they are overwhelmed and can be stressed. Studies show that mothers of children with a disability are at increased risk of poor mental health, and Justin’s mother may also feel guilty about an infection that led to her son’s condition (Gilson et al., 2018). Consequently, a therapist can help parents manage stress and avoid mental health problems that can also affect their relations with children.
Therefore, the overall collaborative plan of the case manager, medical professionals, social workers, and teachers will focus on multiple goals. First, ensuring Justin’s healthy physical and mental development and inclusion in society with growing older. Secondly, teaching parents how to deal with a child with a disability. Third, reducing parenting stress and avoiding mental problems. Fourth, ensuring a healthy atmosphere and interaction between parents and all children in the family. Fifth, providing protection of the children’s health and the prevention of infectious diseases by vaccination. Some of these goals are long-term, while some are aimed at implementation within several weeks. However, the final outcome of all these goals is to ensure the healthy mental and physical development of all children and parents by helping to establish healthy family relationships and interactions.
References
Armold, S. (2019). Case management: An overview for nurses. Nursing, 49(9), 43-45.
Gilson, K-M., Davis, E., Johnson, S., Gains, J., Reddihough, D., & Williams, K. (2018). Mental health care needs and preferences for mothers of children with a disability. Child: Care, Health and Development, 44(3), 384– 391.
McKee, C., & Bohannon, K. (2016). Exploring the reasons behind parental refusal of vaccines. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 21(2), 104–109.