Initiating Discussion

An obvious and important topic of discussion centres around the need for antipsychotic medication to treat the symptoms. Clients and families are often hesitant and wary, or have a divided view about the need for medication. The case manager's role in medical management begins with this discussion. It is his/her role to educate the client and the family about medication, after the issue of drug management is introduced by the psychiatrist. The case manager may need to repeat the drug information many times over to the client and family. Depending on the client and family's needs, written and video information are helpful supplements to the information given by the doctor.

During the assessment, the case manager needs to make keen observations about client and family attitudes to illness and medication. For example, some clients and families acquire more trust and confidence if they can meet or know about other clients who have responded to medication, while others may need time for further consideration. Each family and client response may be unique and for that reason the case manager adjusts his/her skills to the specific situation. If case managers are knowledgeable about medications and side effects, they remain credible with their clients and their families.