As we near the end of 2020, we have a significant year to reflect on. The challenges we have faced this year across the world are like nothing we have ever experienced in our lifetimes. Despite the stress, pressure, uncertainty, worry, and other sentiments of the year, it is certain that we are more powerful when we unite. As case managers, it is something we know how to do so well!
Inside CMSA, we have had many occasions to come together and solve challenges this year. A great example is our annual conference, which is held in the summer. It was moving into its crucial registration campaign cycle this spring when COVID-19 hit. We had swift decisions to make amid great uncertainty: to cancel altogether, to move the event to a later date, or to consider offering a virtual conference.
For many of you reading this, you know what we ended up doing! Holding the original conference dates, we put on a fantastic first-ever virtual conference, complete with our original keynotes, three-dimensional virtual expo hall, live video-enabled networking, a live 30th anniversary party, and education with an unprecedented up to 72 CEs. The CMSA community as a whole-attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, chapters, board of directors, staff, and software partners-made this event happen. Thank you to every one of you for sticking with us during what, at times, seemed like the worst of times!
In addition, this calendar year continued our commitment to lead the industry in case management practice standards. At the annual conference, your new president, Melanie Prince, Rebecca Perez, and I presented the launch of CMAG 2020. This resource is the most recent iteration of CMSA's previously published Case Management Adherence Guides. The 2020 version builds on the previous foundation: It provides in-depth support to better engage and retain patient participation in health and wellness activities, the impact of social determinants, and the importance and adherence impact of care transitions.
Improving the health of populations requires multiple strategies, including providing services that support health, bolster adherence to medication and other prescribed treatments, and adoption of wellness and prevention practices. These strategies often require engaging individuals and supporting changes in behavior. Case managers are in the ideal position to impact adherence and behavior change because of our direct involvement with care coordination and transition management.
Especially in the COVID-19 environment, we have seen how important patient behavior and adherence is to the health of individuals and our communities at large. As we move into the New Year, we wish you and your family health and wellness, and we look forward to another year supporting our members. You make all the difference!
Kathleen Fraser, MSN, MHA, RN-BC, CCM,
CRRN, FAAN
CMSA National Executive Director