Addressing Weather-Related Physical and Mental Health Issues

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to enhance a person-centered approach in case management, disability management, and allied disciplines by taking into account the environmental factors affecting people’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Drawing from recent research, as well as the example of health support for agriculture producers and workers, the article underscores the weather-related risks that impact people because of where and how they live and work. Primary Practice Settings: The article addresses professional case managers and allied professionals such as disability management specialists in a variety of settings, including acute care, subacute/rehabilitation, workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, primary care, and community-based care. Implications for Case Management: In response to evidence of the rising health risks from weather-related events, professional case managers should expand how they assess individuals (known as “patients” in some settings) to identify their existing and potential risk factors, including where people live and work and the weather-related risks that may be present in those environments. A case management assessment of an individual’s weather-related health risks could not only inform a particular treatment episode but also help avoid preventable setbacks and recurrence of illnesses. If those risks are not addressed, they could lead to costly emergency department visits and/or hospitalization.