Case management in community care: concepts, practices and implications for nursing.
Case management has recently become a prominent issue in British community policy and practice, but one which, at the same time, has been subjected to a variety of interpretations. For this reason, it is considered useful to analyse it in terms of a framework embracing conceptual and operational components rather than within the more limiting confines of conventional definitions. A review, within this framework, of initial research projects suggests case management to be a viable mode of community care, with generally favourable outcomes. It also suggests a potentially significant role for community nurses as case managers, although several issues need to be considered when implementing these practices. Finally, a number of questions emerge which should be the focus of future research in the area.
Bergen
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Department of Nursing Studies, King's College, London, England.
D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards; D012380:Role