Case management in community care: concepts, practices and implications for nursing

Area of Science:

• Community health policy
• Healthcare management
• Nursing practice

Background:

• Case management is a growing focus in British community policy and practice.
• Existing interpretations of case management are varied, necessitating a clearer analytical framework.
• Conventional definitions may limit understanding of case management's scope and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze case management using a framework of conceptual and operational components.
• To evaluate the viability and outcomes of case management as a mode of community care.
• To explore the role of community nurses in case management and identify implementation considerations.

Main Methods:

• A review of initial research projects on case management was conducted.
• The analysis employed a framework distinguishing conceptual and operational components.
• Focus was placed on outcomes and the role of community nurses.

Main Results:

• Case management is a viable approach to community care with generally positive outcomes.
• Community nurses are identified as having a potentially significant role in case management.
• Several issues require attention for the successful implementation of case management practices.

Conclusions:

• Case management is an effective model for community care delivery.
• The integration of community nurses into case management roles is promising but requires strategic planning.
• Further research is needed to address emerging questions in case management implementation and practice.