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Case Studies
Choose any two case studies in the text and delve into the case further by answering the following set of questions for each case you choose. Be sure to include this template, including the questions, to keep it organized. (25 points each for a total of 50 points.) Each item is worth two points unless otherwise noted.
(TEXT BOOK IS Case management for the health, human and vocational rehabilitation services ISBN # 978-0-9853389-8-5
(Some cases won’t have enough content information, so you may creatively add whatever supplementary detail you need for the summary or other areas in order to strengthen the case study.)
- What is the name of the case and what chapter is it in? (1 point)
- Write a brief, one paragraph summary to introduce the case study and highlight the most important background info.
- What are the “client” presenting concerns? (origins and/or current situation/problems for the client)
- In 1-3 sentences for each item a-f, describe how you might imagine handling the following basic counseling skill areas based on what you know (or added) about the particular case. (1 point each):
- application of counseling and validation skills (and role of communication) (Ideas in Ch. 1)
- consideration and application of steps in the DECIDE model (Ch. 1)
- handling multicultural/diversity considerations/sensitivities (Ch. 2)
- specific ways the intake interview can establish a positive working alliance with that particular client (Ch. 3)
- information you want to gather during the evaluation process – verbal and non-verbal (Ch. 4)
- 2-3 priority questions you would ask to gather evaluative information
- Match 2-3 potential (or imagined) recommendations, interventions, or referrals with medical, psychological, and/or vocational issues/concerns that might be helpful based on the case (Ch. 4)
- Identify 1-2 potential barriers and match with recommended support or solutions (Ch. 5)
- Identify (or imagine) and briefly describe one potential family consideration (Ch. 6) or ethical concern (Ch. 7) or documentation concern (Ch. 8) – one point
- Outline 2-3 goals (what will be achieved) & 2-3 objectives for each goal (what will be evaluated or measured to determine when the goal is met successfully)
- Explain 2 types of service coordination and/or community resources that may be useful for the case study
- Describe a plan for how you might monitor outcomes and progress for the “client”
- Explain 1-2 additional items or considerations that might be helpful to the “client” based on the case study information (or your added supplementary detail).
- Use clear, measurable terms and evidence-based case management strategies throughout to show your knowledge
- APA style is not required except for citations if you refer to a resource from outside of the class
- All areas listed should be addressed in the order displayed (template should be used for organization or 10-point reduction in grade.)
- Avoid overthinking the content of this paper. Think about the case and the info you have, add detail as needed, and answer the questions accordingly to develop the case conceptualizations.
- NOTE: The second case will likely be faster and easier to write up than the first due to the learning curve. J
Case Study 1:
Chapter 10: A case study is used to portray an ethical dilemma case managers may face when trying to balance confidentiality with transparency:
Donald is a 48-year-old Latino Man with a mild intellectual disability, diabetes and a history of substance use. He is currently working with Glenda, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) at a state vocational rehabilitation agency to identify barriers to maintaining employment. Glenda and Donald agree that his substance use is a significant barrier to his employment, and that addictions counseling would be valuable. Glenda referred Donald to Anchor community counseling, a free counseling clinic where Sandra works. In making this referral, Glenda told Donald his continued participation in vocational rehabilitation requires his sobriety. In short, he needs to remain clean and sober to continue to receive services from her agency. Sandra and Donald have begun working together to address Donald’s drug use. After several weeks of working together, Donald relapses. Shortly thereafter, Glenda contacts Sandra for an update on Donald’s progress. Sandra knows information about Donald’s relapse may negatively impact Donald’s eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services. In addition to serving as Donald’s addictions counselor, Sandra is also coordinating Donald’s services with Glenda. As a counselor, Sandra is obligated to respect Donald’s confidentiality. She also committed to coordinating services with Glenda’s agency. What should Sandra do?
Case Study 2:
Chapter 6 Family Consideration in Case Management
A case manager (Rashaad Jones, African American male) is meeting his new client (Aki Lee, Asian American Female) for the first time to determine if she is eligible for services at a community mental health center. Aki arrived on time for the session and was happy to feel welcomed by Rashaad. During the session, Aki voiced concerns hat she is feeling frustrated because of all the demands being put on her by her family. Aki, continues, “our parents are aging, and I do not feel that my older brother is feeling all the expectations to care for our parents.” Because Rashaad is somewhat familiar with the Asian culture, he is surprised that Aki voiced this concern during their first meeting. This promoted Rashaad to ask the following question “What do you expect from your brother?” Aki responded “Well, I am not really sure at this point. I am just getting tired of all the extra things I must do for our parents.” The session continues with Rashaad suggesting the following to Aki. “Why don’t you put your parent in a nursing home and let the nursing home take care of them? This way, both you and your brother will not have this obligation, decreasing much of the stress that you are feeling.” Aki looked confused once Rashaad completed his thoughts on the matter. At the conclusion of the session, Aki appeared less communicative and withdrawn. However, this did not go unnoticed by Rashaad. After ending the session, Rashaad thought to himself, “Aki must have something on her mind that she did not feel like expressing to me. Most of the people that I know would not put up with what she is putting up with her brother. She should confront her brother about not contributing to the care of their parents.”
DECIDE MODEL:
Several different decision-making processes and models were found in the literature.1-7 Descriptions and their relevance are discussed here. The basic components of these models are similar. For instance, the military model occurs in 5 steps.1 It begins with defining the objective in which needs and optimum outcomes are identified. In the second step, all available resources are discussed. Third, a plan is established in which a manager writes down the specific action required. The fourth step involves laying out the course of action so that checkpoints are determined to make sure that objectives are met. The final step is to provide closure in which accomplished objectives are indicated. This model can be used to implement decisions; however, specific details are not adequately described. Statements are ambiguous and lacking in clarity to truly aid managers in making decisions. For instance, in the last step, ‘closure is made up of those final benchmarks of success’ to indicate that the plan was successful.2 This statement is vague and does not provide managers with direction or adequate information on how to proceed with benchmarking.
The parliamentary model occurs in 8 steps and is similar to the military model. The 8 steps are the following: (1) establish need, (2) define the optimum outcome, (3) conduct a stakeholder review, (4) list the pros and cons, (5) make an option review, (6) review potential consequences, (7) formulate a step-by-step plan, and (8) analyze achievement.1