Table 3.
Abbreviated job description
| Duties/tasks | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Resources or tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self‐care—Take actions to effectively manage physical and psychological symptoms of chronic illness | ||||
| Monitor and attend to the signs and symptoms of chronic illness by tracking symptoms, attending to bodily or environmental symptoms of flares/triggers, monitoring lab/test results. Communicate changes with provider. | Knowledge of Illness‐related information that is, symptoms, symptom tracking | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Knowledge of medications, administration, side effects, interactions | ||||
| Knowledge of treatments, procedures and testing | ||||
| Knowledge of what to ask provider | ||||
| Monitor and attend to medication and treatments, including understanding, tracking and responding to potential side effects and contraindications and determining most effective dose/treatment. Monitor the safety of care/medications provided by others. Communicate changes with the provider. | Knowledge of Illness‐related information that is, symptoms, symptom tracking | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Knowledge of medications, administration, side effects, interactions | ||||
| Knowledge of treatments, procedures and testing | ||||
| Knowledge of what to ask | ||||
| Know what is expected during and after treatment/therapy | ||||
| Manage and attend to accurate and timely self‐administration of medications/treatments by ensuring continuous availability, monitoring expiration dates, understanding correct dosages and protocols and recording administrations/doses/protocols. Communicate changes with provider. | Knowledge of Illness‐related information that is, symptoms, symptom tracking | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Knowledge of medications, administration, side effects, interactions | ||||
| Knowledge of treatments, procedures and testing | ||||
| Adopt necessary dietary and lifestyle changes, including coordinating with others' needs, maintaining consistent food/sleep/exercise schedules, carrying food for emergencies, monitor and adapt diet as needed. | Appropriate lifestyle changes that is, exercise, diet, sleep hygiene | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| k. Safe environment | ||||
| Knowledge of Illness‐related information that is, symptoms, symptom tracking | ||||
| l. Good/healthy food | ||||
| m. Place to rest | ||||
| Knowledge of medications, administration, side effects, interactions | ||||
| Knowledge of treatments, procedures and testing | ||||
| Monitor and attend to mental‐health related issues (including depression, anxiety, fear, isolation, acceptance of diagnosis and implications for lifestyle, anger, disappointment, worry). Communicate changes with provider. | Appropriate lifestyle changes that is, exercise, diet, sleep hygiene | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Warning signs related to changing mental health | ||||
| Knowledge of Illness‐related information that is, symptoms, symptom tracking | ||||
| Knowledge of medications, administration, side effects, interactions | ||||
| Knowledge of treatments, procedures and testing | ||||
| Manage stress and seek support/therapy when needed. | Knowledge of stress and emotion management techniques—that is, meditation, yoga, exercise, CBT | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through k. |
| Relationship management—Effectively manage relationships with employers, family, friends and providers to ensure the best outcomes | ||||
| Maintain open communication with supervisor and colleagues to facilitate task‐related and time‐off‐related accommodations. | Knowledge of potential work and lifestyle accommodations relevant to CI management | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Develop/maintain a support network for tangible and emotional support from family/friends/coworkers, maintain open communication with family/friends/coworkers to facilitate support, lifestyle accommodations and empathy. | Know the commitment/capacity of the people in the social network to provide support | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Knowledge of what should be communicated with others | ||||
| Knowledge of when to ask for professional help | ||||
| Develop/implement a communication plan for what, when, and how much detail to share about the nature of the illness as well as its implications, complications and needed accommodations, plan for how to appropriately respond to others' advice. | Knowledge of Illness‐related information that is, symptoms, symptom tracking | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Know the commitment/capacity of the people in the social network to provide support | ||||
| Knowledge of what should be communicated with others | ||||
| Create lifestyle accommodations that facilitate relationship maintenance and social life/interactions and to mitigate negative self‐perceptions. | Knowledge and awareness of the needs of of others | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Self‐awareness | ||||
| Identify qualified providers with compatible communication styles, willingness to listen to ideas/concerns without dismissing or undermining patient concerns, facilitate management of chronic illness; develop and maintain quality relationships. | Knowledge of potential work and lifestyle accommodations relevant to CI management | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. and |
| n. Trustworthy referrals | ||||
| Knowledge of own communication style | ||||
| Where and what to know to a find provider | ||||
| Knowledge of personal preference for provider skills/behaviours | ||||
| Develop relationships and open and honest communication with providers by adapting interpersonal communication style. | Knowing the skills you want the provider to have, having them be compatible with what is desired | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Know personal communication style | ||||
| Resource management—Understand and manage finances, health and prescription medication insurance, and coordinate resources related to visits to providers. | ||||
| Budget and pay for treatments, medications, procedures, deductibles, copays and medical bills; ensure correct billing, develop payment plans, save and track receipts for taxes and maximum out of pocket. Negotiate payment plans if needed. Seek financial support (disability, etc.) if needed. | Personal finances, income, future expenses and so forth | a. through m. | a. through m. and n. Locate, evaluate and use information, resources, and services and to make informed decisions about financial obligations, budgeting, credit, debt and planning for the future | a. through j. |
| How to read and understand insurance policies, EOBs, FSA | n. Financial health literacy | |||
| Manage insurance—file claims with primary and secondary insurance if needed, request preauthorizations and physician requests for coverage; review EOBs, ensuring insurance has paid their part in full before paying out of pocket, appeal denials of claims | Personal finances | a. through n. | a. through n. | a. through j. |
| How to read and understand insurance policies, EOBs, FSA | ||||
| Insurance process | ||||
| How to access resources | ||||
| Compare & locate in‐network providers, ‘approved lists’ of tests and covered supplies, medicines, visits, specialists, changing providers or PCPs, diagnostic tests, programmes that offer financial assistance for treatments/medications. Arrange second opinions when necessary | Personal finances | a. through n. | a. through n. | a. through j. |
| How to read and understand insurance policies, EOBs, FSA | ||||
| Insurance process | ||||
| How to access resources | ||||
| Determine best primary and secondary plans considering premiums and deductibles (whether private, Medicare, Medicaid), drug plans and HSAs, copays for different providers; determine annual deduction for FSA, project when deductible will be met | Personal finances | a. through n. | a. through n. | a. through j. |
| How to read and understand insurance policies, EOBs, FSA | ||||
| Insurance process | ||||
| How to access resources | ||||
| Prepare for legal aspects of illness‐management (HIPAA, power of attorneys, etc.), share account information and passwords with trusted family/friends only. Identify medical power of attorney and so forth. | How to read and understand medical forms and medical/legal terminology | a. through n. | a. through n. | a. through j. |
| Know how to use technology | ||||
| Manage timely delivery of medications, continuous access to equipment and supplies, transportation/logistics (hotel, family) to providers/specialists, childcare | Personal finances | a. through n. | a. through n. | a. through j. |
| Insurance process | ||||
| How to access resources | ||||
| How to read and understand medical forms and medical terminology | ||||
| How to access social support if needed | ||||
| Coordination—Organize and schedule all appointments, paperwork and medical history | ||||
| Schedule, coordinate, prepare for, and attend appointments with providers, lab, diagnostic tests, therapies; make phone calls, manage time, organize travel logistics | Policies of provider/organization office | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Best way to access and use the needed services | ||||
| Coordinate time off from work for illness‐related absences by understanding and leveraging employer policies for time‐off and disability‐related absences. | Knowledge of time‐off policies and restrictions | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Knowledge of disability programmes, laws, benefits | ||||
| Communicate and advocate for self by asking questions, relaying medical history with providers, office staff and others (friends, family and employers), asking for help when needed. | Knowledge of Illness‐related information that is, symptoms, symptom tracking | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Personal medical history‐including meds | ||||
| Who to ask for illness‐ related help | ||||
| How to access social support if needed | ||||
| Prepare for appointments with providers so all questions, concerns and research are addressed | What questions to ask, need to know what they don't know | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Organize and maintain updated paperwork, passwords, phone numbers, health care portals | How to use technology | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| How to organize paperwork (or digital documents) so it is available for appointments | ||||
| Identify and procure necessary equipment, medications, treatments, qualified providers, facilities, referrals, second opinions | Knowledgeable about community resources | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. |
| Knowledge about health care system, what you can ask for | ||||
| How to use technology | ||||
| How to access the support system | ||||
| Know your preferences for provider | ||||
| Research/education—Self‐educate about all aspects related to chronic illness and treatments | ||||
| Gather reputable information/resources related to diagnoses, medications (including efficacy, side‐effects, contraindications, new releases), treatments, diagnostic testing, alternative treatments, lifestyle changes, equipment, providers | Know terminology and alternate terms, quality sources of information, how to differentiate quality sources | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. and o. |
| Self‐aware (know self) to know what they are willing and able to do and what to spend their time learning about | ||||
| Need to know what the options are for sources of reliable information | ||||
| Research and make decisions regarding provider recommendations, reconcile conflicting advice, comparing potential treatments | Know terminology and alternate terms, quality sources of information, how to differentiate quality sources | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. and o. |
| Self‐aware (know self) to know what they are willing and able to do and what to spend their time learning about | ||||
| Need to know what the options are for sources of reliable information | ||||
| Know the rationale of the provider's advice | ||||
| Knowing what successful outcomes would be for yourself. | ||||
| Know what insurance provider will pay for | ||||
| Understand costs related to each alternative | ||||
| Sources of alternative funding | ||||
| Research and make decisions regarding diagnostic facilities, medications, treatments | Know terminology and alternate terms, quality sources of information, how to differentiate quality sources | a. through n. | a. through n. | a. through j. and o. |
| Self‐aware (know self) to know what they are willing and able to do and what to spend their time learning about | ||||
| Need to know what the options are for sources of reliable information | ||||
| Know the rationale of the provider's advice | ||||
| Knowing what successful outcomes would be for yourself. | ||||
| Know what insurance provider will pay for | ||||
| Side effects, contraindications for medications/treatments | ||||
| Know allergies | ||||
| Investigate quality/reputability of information sources to assess its utility and applicability | Know terminology and alternate terms, | a. through m. | a. through m. | a. through j. and o. |
| Know quality sources of information and how to differentiate quality sources | ||||
| Need to know what the options are for sources of reliable/quality information | ||||
| Navigate, utilize and reconcile across variety of informational resources (including Internet browsers, WebMD, MayoClinic, CDC, NIH, subscription services ‐ Epocrates, diagnosis‐specific support groups, libraries, social media, message boards, fundraising and research‐related events, newsletters, family/friends/other, unsolicited advice) | Know how to access sources of information. | a. through m | a. through m. | a. through j. and o. |
| Knowing how to assess quality and reliability of sources | ||||
| Know terminology and alternate terms, quality sources of information, how to differentiate quality sources | ||||
| Need to know what the options are for sources of reliable information | ||||
| Know how to deflect unhelpful observations or comments | ||||
| Assess and compare new and current providers/organizations | Know what criteria you should assess to evaluate a provider or organization | a. through n. | a. through n. | a. through j. and o. |
| Know who approved providers/organizations are in insurance plan | ||||
Abbreviations: CI, chronic illness; EOB; explanation of benefits; FSA, fexible spending account; HSA; health savings account.