Realigning the communication paradigm in nursing case management.
Communication underlies all of case management (CM), and better comprehension of the processes of communication within the context of the CM role may facilitate positive patient and organizational outcomes, and assist providers and policy makers in designing effective CM systems. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative, pilot project was to explore dimensions of communication of the nurse case manager role within a hospital setting. The results describe a "hub and spoke" model of communications and suggest the utility of this familiar model for understanding the communication dynamics for those who work as nursing case managers in hospital settings. Findings suggest that nurse case managers are at various times both advocates and mediators--communications roles that may encompass somewhat contradictory demands and perspectives.
Anderson
Mary Ann
MA
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, Quad Cities Regional Program, Moline, IL 61265, USA. MAA928@uic.edu
Helms
Lelia B
LB
Kelly
Norma R
NR
D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D015146:Midwestern United States; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014481:United States