A Holistic Approach in Case Management: What’s Really on the Employee’s Mind?

By Darlene E. Arroyo, RN, BS, COHN-S

Manager, North America Disability Programs
Johnson & Johnson

“Treat someone the way you would want to be treated.” I’m sure you’ve heard this valuable advice many times, both professionally and personally. When managing an employee’s disability, it’s important to treat the employee with respect and compassion and to consider the impact a disability can have on an employee’s life.

While it is important to follow administrative processes to maintain continuity and ensure a quality, consistent case management program, employees are human beings who may have concerns and challenges while on disability. Unfortunately, large or complex caseloads may reduce the amount of time a case manager has for verbal communication. Employee concerns and frustrations can be overlooked. Therefore, it is important  to consider a holistic approach to case management.

Holistic medicine is the treatment of the whole person; body, mind, spirit, and emotions. A person has interdependent parts that need to work in harmony; however, if one part is not working properly, other parts can get out of balance and have a negative impact on overall health. A commitment to addressing all aspects (physical, mental, and emotional) that impact a person with a disability can go a long way in helping with a successful recovery and a quicker return to work.

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