Specifying intensive case management: a multiple perspective approach

"Intensive case management" (ICM) programs for people with serious mental illness are found widely throughout the United States. However, there is no standard definition or conceptualization of ICM. Despite these differences, ICM aspires to a set of common principles and core functions derived from the concept of continuity of care. This study attempted to identify the elements of ICM program theory by integrating information from the ICM literature with survey and focus-group data reflecting the perspectives of three distinct ICM respondent groups (researchers/administrators, program managers, and case managers). The findings suggest a strong consensus about the structural dimensions of ICM, but a moderate consensus about their operationalization. More generally, the results support viewing ICM as more "client oriented," in contrast with conventional case management programs that are more "system driven."