The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it fast-moving and unexpected variables that have forced businesses around the world to rethink how they provide services. Broadspire is no exception. We are in the same uncharted waters as every other business.
For injured workers, the world hasn’t stopped. Their need is the same, if not greater than before the pandemic. In some instances, COVID-19 has left injured workers and their families even more confused and scared than they were when the injury first occurred.
Meet Lynda Wojno, a dedicated nurse case manager who has worked at Broadspire for five of her 40 years of experience. Linda coordinates all the medical needs of injured workers in the Atlanta area and is the connection between the adjuster and employer.
In one recent case, a worker, Michael*, fell on the job and fractured both the tibia and fibula of his left leg. After surgery, he was confined to a wheelchair. One of Lynda’s first tasks was to determine whether Michael could return home. She found that the wheelchair could not fit into the bathroom or kitchen in his home. He also needed a ramp so that he could reach his front door.
After determining that it would be extremely difficult for Michael to return home post-surgery, Linda arranged for a two-week stay at a rehab facility. This caused an emotional and practical disruption to his family’s life. Michael’s wife did not drive and lacked the social network to ask for help on errands – such as going to the store for her and her 14-year-old son.
Yet again, Lynda stepped in to help. After becoming aware of his wife’s isolation, she contacted social service organizations to ask for their assistance, but the answer was a resounding no. Lynda realized that the only way to get assistance for the family was to arrange it herself, so that was what she did.
Lynda remembered that she had a nurse friend who lived near the injured worker’s home. After tracking down her friend through social media and asking her to help, the friend was very willing to get groceries for the family and pick up prescriptions for Michael. This reduced the stress the family was feeling during this difficult time.
“We have to look at the whole family dynamic,” said Lynda. “I know that my job focuses on the injured worker. But helping the worker’s family members is also a part of my job. It’s an important part of being a case manager.”
During rehab, Michael gained the ability to use crutches. This made it possible for him to return home. After his release from rehab, Lynda made sure that he had all the durable medical equipment he needed to be independent in his home.
One of Lynda’s duties is to accompany injured workers when they have doctor visits. However, during the pandemic, she was not allowed to enter the treatment room. So, Lynda got creative again. She wrote questions for Michael’s doctors and faxed them across ahead of his appointment. It worked out well as the doctor understood the situation and answered all her questions.
“It makes me feel wonderful to be able to help injured workers and their families. Having the chance to visit with them face to face helps me pick up physical cues while I’m speaking with them about their situation. This helps me think creatively to assist the injured worker in their efforts to get well and return to work. I like the case management aspect of my job and I’m blessed to have it.”
Broadspire’s case management team is outmaneuvering Covid-19 by thinking outside the box. This story is just one example that highlights the attitude of all other case management team members who care deeply about injured workers and their families. Being able to produce this level of care is what makes Broadspire’s case managers take it upon themselves to be as responsive and proactive as possible.
*not the injured worker’s real name
