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Case management in an integrated delivery system
1Merit-Care Health System, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
Nursing Management
|February 28, 1998
Summary
Nurse case management programs improve client care across health systems. This study evaluated program challenges and measured impacts on hospital admissions, emergency visits, and costs.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Implementing a universal case management program presents challenges in large healthcare systems.
- Nurses require broad clinical knowledge across diverse chronic illnesses.
- Varied client care approaches necessitate standardized protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation of a nurse case management program.
- To identify challenges encountered during program rollout.
- To evaluate the program's impact on healthcare utilization and costs.
Main Methods:
- A nurse case management program was established within a large healthcare system.
- Data on hospital admissions, physician visits, and emergency department visits were collected.
- Healthcare costs were analyzed pre- and post-program implementation.
Main Results:
- The program aimed to provide consistent care regardless of diagnosis or provider.
- Challenges included maintaining system visibility and managing diverse client needs.
- Key metrics like hospital admissions and costs were monitored post-implementation.
Conclusions:
- Nurse case management programs can face significant implementation hurdles.
- Effective strategies are needed to address challenges in visibility and clinical expertise.
- Further analysis is required to fully quantify the program's impact on healthcare utilization and costs.