Which health care providers should be considered when filling a position as case manager for a community health care center?

The choice of a Social Worker and a Registered Nurse (RN) for the position of case manager in a community health care center is highly suitable because these professionals possess complementary skills essential for effective case management. Social workers are trained to navigate the social and psychological aspects of patient care, focusing on the needs of the whole person, including access to resources, psychosocial support, and community services. Meanwhile, registered nurses bring clinical knowledge and expertise in patient care management and coordination, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive medical attention alongside social support.

Together, a social worker and an RN can effectively address both medical and non-medical factors influencing a patient's health, coordinating care that aligns with the best practices in community health. This multidisciplinary approach is vital in community health settings, where addressing a variety of needs is crucial for patients' well-being.

Other combinations, such as including a physician or focusing solely on pharmacists, therapists, dietitians, or psychologists, may offer valuable skills but lack the comprehensive approach that a case manager needs to effectively coordinate and manage patient care across both health and social domains. Each professional plays a specific role, but the synergy between the social worker and the RN is particularly effective in fulfilling the requirements of case management in community health.