Michael DeLong moved to Newark about five years ago so his wife could be close to her family.  He took an early retirement from his job at a medical warehouse in Columbus to care for her because of her failing health.  Michael also was dealing with medical issues after being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – an inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.  At the time, Michael did not establish a relationship with a primary care physician.

Michael began experiencing severe symptoms from his COPD.  He had trouble breathing, and went to the Emergency Department (ED) at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) quite often.  Typically, Michael would have to spend one to two days at LMH until his oxygen returned to an acceptable level.  In March 2019, a Licking Memorial Community Case Manager began visiting Michael at his home weekly to assist in managing his symptoms.  Community Case Management monitors and plans services which may be necessary for a patient’s healthcare needs.  The team, which includes registered nurses, licensed social workers, dietitians and respiratory therapists, help patients coordinate care and services, serve as information specialists, assist in independent healthy living and support patients to make responsible healthcare decisions.  Michael was assigned a registered nurse (R.N.) case manager who checked his blood pressure and oxygen level, and also provided him with different types of tools to assist in improving his health.  

There were many barriers to Michael receiving the care he needed, including transportation and financial issues, but the case manager helped him find needed solutions and resources.  Michael also was connected to a primary care physician, Donald J. Fairbanks, M.D., and a pulmonologist, Emilia N.U. Anigbo, M.D.  Together, the physicians created a care plan and prescribed the medications he needed to manage his COPD.  “Dr. Fairbanks and Dr. Anigbo are very knowledgeable and they have been helpful in getting me on the right track,” Michael said.  

Michael reported smoking a half pack of cigarettes a day, and the physicians also encouraged him to quit.  Michael took the advice seriously and contacted a tobacco cessation counselor with LMH’s Quit for Your Health program.  The counselor visited Michael at his home as well because he had difficulty leaving his home due to weakness and shortness of breath.  He received nicotine replacement therapy including patches and lozenges.  Although he knew it would be difficult to break the nicotine addiction, Michael was willing to take the advice from the counselor and work toward cessation.  He experienced one relapse, but after two visits from the counselor, Michael quit smoking entirely. 

Michael’s case manager also connected him to local palliative care.  Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness and focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the disease to improve quality of life.  A specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists worked together with Drs. Fairbanks and Anigbo to provide an extra layer of support.  The case manager explained to Michael that he could call the palliative care team at the first sign of worsening symptoms.  The palliative care practitioners are able to call in prescriptions and make sure Michael has his inhaler or other needed medications.  With their assistance, he can get the care he needs without having to wait for an appointment with his primary physician or visiting the ED.

As Michael learned more about his disease and symptoms, he gained confidence in his own self-care and how to recognize the triggers that could cause him to become seriously ill.  As suggested by his case manager, he learned to use a calendar to keep track of medical appointments and now is more consistent about visiting his physicians.  “I have been able to stay out of the Emergency Department for over a year.  I try very hard to follow the care plan,” Michael said.  “I have my good days and my bad days, but overall, I feel successful in managing my illness.”  His case manager and tobacco cessation counselor both were pleased with Michael’s attitude towards making healthy lifestyle changes.  

Michael is among the first patients to participate in the Health Coach program – a collaboration between Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) and Denison University.  The Dension students serve as Health Coaches under the supervision of healthcare professionals from LMH Community Case Management Department.  A Health Coach student makes home visits to support Michael in continuing to make healthy lifestyle choices, and managing his medication and COPD symptoms.  “Michael was the perfect candidate for this program.  He is eager to improve his health, manage his chronic illness, and readily accepts advice and assistance from his Health Coach,” said Debbie Young, Vice President Allied Health Services, and Community Health and Wellness.  

As his health improved, Michael began leaving his home more often – even driving again.  Dr. Anigbo referred Michael to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic to assist in gaining strength and stamina.  His support staff marvels at his progress and is grateful to continue to witness his journey to better quality health.