Managed care: a structured approach

The authors developed a model of clinical nurse management based on the concept of managed care. This article, which describes the model, is intended to encourage nurses to consider their role as manager and engage in activities that support good management of clinical practice. The model presents several components that need to be monitored and controlled if best care is to be achieved. Specifying these components in the form of a model allows a visual representation of practice and supports contemporary thinking about healthcare management from the perspective of the nurse in clinical practice.