Psychiatric nursing case management: past, present, and future.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychiatry
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Psychiatric nursing case management has evolved significantly in the United States.
• Understanding its historical development and various models is crucial for effective mental health care delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of psychiatric nursing case management in the US.
• To describe different inpatient and outpatient models and case manager roles.
• To examine clinical pathways, data collection, and outcome utilization.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of psychiatric nursing case management.
• Analysis of various case management models (inpatient and outpatient).
• Examination of clinical pathway development and adaptation challenges.

Main Results:

• Various models of psychiatric nursing case management exist, with distinct case manager roles.
• Clinical pathways are used for outcome monitoring but face adaptation challenges in psychiatric settings.
• Data collection and outcome utilization are key for supporting mental health programs.

Conclusions:

• Psychiatric nursing case management has a dynamic history with diverse models.
• Standardizing outcome measurement and adapting clinical pathways are essential for future development.
• Recommendations are provided to guide future psychiatric nursing case management practices.