Home care case management. Perspectives from the home front

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Social Work
• Nursing

Background:

• Home care case management is a critical component of patient care delivery.
• Understanding the multifaceted roles and challenges of case managers is essential for optimizing healthcare services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role, decision-making factors, and experiences of home care case managers.
• To identify challenges and positive aspects of home care case management practice.

Main Methods:

• Focus groups were conducted with home care case managers in two Canadian cities.
• Qualitative data were gathered on case manager roles, decision-making influences, and practice experiences.

Main Results:

• Decision-making is influenced by organizational, client, family, professional, and case management factors.
• Difficulties include resource allocation and work-life balance issues.
• Positive aspects involve client interaction, service follow-through, work diversity, and professional autonomy.

Conclusions:

• Home care case managers' practice is shaped by a complex interplay of factors.
• Addressing challenges and leveraging positive aspects can enhance case management effectiveness and job satisfaction.