Case managers' perspectives on what they need to do their job.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this brief report is to identify the perceived training needs of case managers working on community support teams in a community mental health center serving a semi-rural/suburban area.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 case managers and 3 supervisors to inquire about areas of training need in case management. Interviews were coded and analyzed for common themes regarding training needs and methods of training improvement.


RESULTS
Identified training needs called for a hands-on, back-to-basics approach that included education on the symptoms of severe mental illness, co-morbid substance use problems, and methods of engaging consumers. A mentoring model was proposed as a potential vehicle for disseminating knowledge in these domains.


CONCLUSIONS
Case managers identify significant training needs that would address their basic understanding of severe mental illness. Programs targeting these needs may result in improved outcomes for case managers and the individuals with psychiatric disabilities they serve.
University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. sme12@pitt.edu
Shaun M
SM
Eack
Catherine G
CG
Greeno
Stephen
S
Christian-Michaels
Amy
A
Dennis
Carol M
CM
Anderson
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019090:Case Management; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D004496:Education, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010414:Pennsylvania; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult