What is a Life Care Consultant?
A life care consultant is a specialized healthcare professional who develops comprehensive, dynamic care plans that document current and future medical, psychological, and rehabilitation needs with associated costs for individuals with catastrophic injuries or chronic health conditions. 1
Role and Responsibilities
Life care consultants serve as critical members of the healthcare team by:
- Creating life care plans that document economic damages in disabling conditions while maintaining objectivity and advocating for individuals with disabilities 2
- Coordinating multidisciplinary care across various settings including home-based, inpatient facilities, and outpatient services 3
- Providing expert advice to patients and healthcare staff, connecting palliative care services both within hospitals and to external services 4
- Facilitating continuity of care across healthcare services by improving communication strategies and establishing communication networks 5
Professional Background and Qualifications
Life care consultants typically come from various healthcare backgrounds, as life care planning is a trans-disciplinary specialty practice 1. These professionals:
- Have medical, psychological, case management, and/or rehabilitation foundations
- Follow peer-reviewed methodology and standards of practice
- Often hold certifications specific to life care planning
- May specialize in specific conditions such as acquired brain injury 1
Components of Life Care Planning
A comprehensive life care plan includes:
- Pain management and symptom control protocols using validated assessment tools 3
- Regular reassessment of patient needs using standardized tools 3
- Anticipatory prescribing for medications that might be urgently needed 3
- Education and support resources for patients and caregivers 3
- Documentation of current and future healthcare needs with associated costs 1
Clinical Impact and Benefits
Life care consultants provide significant benefits:
- Improved symptom management and quality of life for patients 3
- Enhanced coordination between healthcare settings (acute care, palliative care, community care) 4
- Better support for families and caregivers through education and resources 3
- Reduced emergency room visits and more appropriate care settings 3
- Assistance with complex ethical decision-making 6
Common Pitfalls and Challenges
Several challenges exist in the life care consultant role:
- Delayed referrals that prevent patients from receiving maximum benefit 3
- Misconceptions about the role being about "giving up" rather than "fighting for better quality of life" 3
- Inadequate family/caregiver support requiring additional education and resources 3
- Communication barriers between different healthcare services that can disrupt continuity of care 5
Life care consultants play a pivotal role in ensuring comprehensive, coordinated care for individuals with complex medical needs, serving as essential links between patients, families, and the broader healthcare system.