By Elaine Bruner, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC 

Why would you want to employ curiosity? Does being curious impact case management innovation and outcomes? The Oxford Dictionary defines curiosity as “a strong desire to know, or learn something.” Professional curiosity is the capacity and communication skill to explore and comprehend what happens with an individual, family, health system, or stakeholder. There has been an explosion in the amount of best practice evidence available to case managers. Case managers need “deep curiosity” where the focus is on stories, experiences, values, and feelings. Conversations that go below the surface strengthen our therapeutic relationships, offer increased patient satisfaction, and address healthcare equity through an appreciation of individual differences. There is an increasing emphasis on independent life-long learning and an expectation that case managers can teach themselves. I propose that a culture of curiosity is a key requirement of these demands. 

Elements of the Curious Case Manager 

Know your population and community.  

-The zip code may be the most important number on your patient’s chart. Case managers recognize the impact of the Social Drivers of Health on readmissions, adherence, and outcomes. 

-Use open-ended questions and have a genuine conversation. Individuals are more likely to share their stories and offer key elements that influence their decision-making and self-care. Bonus: satisfied clinicians and patients. 

Embrace technology. 

-Be willing to test and prepare for the “bugs and glitches” remembering that you will be proficient and ready to adapt when the tech updates occur. 

-Afraid of Artificial Intelligence? Me too. However, by reading, researching, and exposing yourself to the best AI information, case managers will become more comfortable with AI as a tool to supplement clinician intervention, not replace it. 

Use the evidence and best practice data 

-Foundation of the “why we do what we do” in CM practice. Ask the “why” in outdated practices and policies then improve the status quo.  If you’re not changing, you’re not growing. 

Life-long learning 

-A culture of curiosity is vital to lifelong learning. Commit to reading our case management journals, CMSA Blogs, and other information that enhances your expertise and skill. Attend continuing education offerings and the annual CMSA conference, June 24-27, 2025 in Dallas, TX. Lifelong learning means you can adapt to evolving healthcare environments and deliver high-quality case management services. 

-Staying current builds credibility and advances your career. Case management certification demonstrates competency and opens doors to further professional possibilities. 

Harness work-life balance 

-Always been curious about French cooking? Want to learn how to crochet? Go For It! These extracurricular activities and hobbies make you a better case manager by preserving the balance and avoiding burnout. 

Engaging curiosity in your case management practice and your life has many benefits. According to Greater Good Magazine, here are six (6) benefits: 

1-Curiousity is a survival skill. Exploring and asking “why?” helps us to be vigilant and increase knowledge in an ever-changing healthcare environment. 

2-Curious people are happier. And who doesn’t want to be happier? Being curious releases dopamine and other “feel good” chemicals leading to positive emotions, lower anxiety, and improved psychological well-being. 

3-Curiousity boosts achievement. This may be common sense but the more curious about and interested in what we are doing, it follows that it’s easier to get involved, put in effort, and do well. The result is greater learning, engagement, and performance at work. 

4-Curiousity expands our empathy. Engaging with those outside our usual social circles allows us to understand their lives, experiences, and worldviews. Case managers do this every day as we encounter individuals who are different from us. 

5-Curiousity strengthens relationships. Demonstrating curiosity towards someone builds your bond. 

6-Curiousity improves healthcare. Ask “What matters to you?” When you are aware of an individual’s needs and priorities for their care, there is less frustration, better decisions, and increased effectiveness of care. 

Go forward and be a curious case manager! 

Reference 

Cambell, E. (2015). Six surprising benefits of curiosity. Greater Good Magazine, Sep 24. 

CMSA's Best Membership Referral Campaign is Underway! Just in time for our 35th Anniversary, the 2024-2025 CMSA Membership Referral Campaign is live and runs through April 15, 2025! Here’s what’s in it for YOU: Earn $5 toward your next renewal for every new member you refer! Refer 35 members, and you’ll earn a FREE Membership Renewal! The chapter with the most referrals wins a #CMSA2025 Conference Registration to give away! It’s Simple to Join In: Invite friends/colleagues to join CMSA at https://cmsa.org/membership/join/.

Make sure they list YOUR name as the referrer!

Keep referring and earning – the rewards are limitless!

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Bio: Elaine is an experienced nurse, case manager and educator. She completed her undergraduate studies with the State University of New York at Platttsburgh, followed by her graduate work with the University of Virginia. Prior to entering case management practice, Elaine worked in diverse settings including oncology, nutrition support, home health, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Case management offered Elaine opportunities to join transdisciplinary teams in cardiology, critical care, and ambulatory care. Since 2008, she has been associated with American Nurses Credentialing Commission, contributing to the Nursing Case Management (NCM) certification review products. She co-authored the 4th edition of the NCM Review and Resource Manual, with Peggy Leonard, and was the faculty for live workshops and webinar presentations. Elaine embraces her educator role, authoring manuscripts in CMSAToday, offering continuing education presentations, and coaching case managers to certification success. Elaine's current role, with US Navy, offers daily challenges, keeps her skills sharp and a smooth transition to retirement.