title: Accounting for case manager effects in the evaluation of mental health services.
abstract: Three methods of accounting for case manager effects in tests of the efficacy of mental health services are explored. These methods include (a) treating the case manager as a fixed factor, (b) treating the case manager as a random factor, and (c) examining service effects within the case manager. They are demonstrated with data from a nationally known case management program serving individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. Specifically, 3 conceptually distinct types of services provided or brokered by case managers are identified: habilitation-rehabilitation, community support, and traditional psychiatric services. The effectiveness of each in improving clients' adjustment is then examined with multiple regression adjustment strategies and each of the 3 methods to account for case manager effects. The results provide strong support for effects attributable to case managers and some support for the efficacy of habilitation-rehabilitation and community support services beyond the effects of traditional psychiatric services.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260.
authors: C S
authors: CS
authors: Ryan
authors: P S
authors: PS
authors: Sherman
authors: C M
authors: CM
authors: Judd
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000078329:Workforce