Case management in integrated models of care

by McGeehan, Susan K.

CASE MANAGEMENT IN INTEGRATED MODELS OF CARE By Susan K. McGeehan The purpose of this study was to better understand case management in integrated models of care. Semi-structured interviews were completed with state and program level administrators and case managers from nursing and social work disciplines to ascertain their perspectives about case management. The professionals interviewed, who represented eight programs across the United States, discussed the benefits and difficulties associated with providing case management to a population with a wide range of needs. Respondents also discussed important issues related to interfacing with different health care professionals, and raised questions about the overall purpose of the case manager role. The findings suggest a need to unify the purpose of case management in integrated care programs. Findings also indicate that educational and training efforts for case managers require closer consideration and that there is a need for future research to focus on the value of social services in a medical model of care.