ODL 217: A Closer Look at Home Bound Patients: Options for Care, Access to Care, and a Documentary Film

Revised on 11/16/2023

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, case managers, nurses, and counselors.

Overview:

Over 5 million Americans are completely or mostly homebound or have significant limitations that make it extremely difficult to leave their home. Access to appropriate care and services can be extremely difficult – many times compounding the complexities of their cases. These patients, many times unseen by the “traditional” clinical setting, can fall through the cracks, leaving their loved ones, friends, and caregivers with the insurmountable task of caring for patients that require an interdisciplinary team of specialized care. The award-winning documentary film, The Invisible Patients, tells the story of Jessica Macleod, a nurse practitioner, and four homebound patients she cares for in Evansville, Indiana. Together they put a human face on some of the most urgent health care issues facing our nation, from the living conditions of the elderly poor and end-of-life care to the soaring costs of hospitalization, the complexity of insurance and over prescription of opiates. To supplement the eye-opening information from the film, we will also delve into gaps in the continuum of care, barriers to quality care in the home, best practice models, and considerations and guidance for providers working in healthcare. Clinicians will have a better understanding of the overlapping barriers and challenges that many homebound patients face, and gain the valuable tools necessary to enhance practice, advocate for programs and services that meet needs, and connect patients/caregivers to those resources. Together, providers can shine a light on the most vulnerable in our communities and ensure that their health and wellness does not go unseen.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session – the participant will be able to:

• List two examples from the film that highlighted a gap in the care continuum
• Name one emerging trend in home healthcare
• Summarize the resources available to homebound patients and their caregivers

Presenter:

Patrick O’Connor, a writer, producer and director

Patrick O’Connor, a writer, producer and director who primarily works in marketing for healthcare systems, as well as numerous non-profit organizations, through his company o’connor/creative. His feature film writing credits include Ricochet River, produced by Gigi Pritzker and starring Kate Hudson, and the independent feature Sacred Hearts, which he also directed.  Sacred Hearts premiered at the Boston Film Festival and subsequently played at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival (awarded Best First Feature) and the Lincoln Center in New York. His screenplay, ZOO, was purchased by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment.

2 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 2 CE Credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 2 Contact Hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 2 Contact Hours
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 2 Contact Hours
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 2 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 2 Contact Hours

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.