[Case management for moderate-need patients and recovery: what can we learn from experimental and quasi-experimental...

How should case management be organized for people who have severe mental illness, but do not need Assertive Community Treatment or similar high-intensity programs? To address this question, the authors conducted a systematic review of studies published in English between 1980 and 2010. Five main case management models were identified: broker, clinical case management, rehabilitation, strengths and intensive case management. In all, 11 experimental and 13 quasi-experimental studies evaluating case management programs not targeted at a typical ACT clientele were identified. These studies suggest that the strengths model, which can be viewed as a way of structuring intensive case management for a moderate-need population, is the best supported by evidence if one desires to see effects not only on hospital days, but also on other domains such as symptoms, quality of life and social functioning. It is also compatible with a recovery orientation. The evidence in its favor, however, remains modest.