Multidisciplinary teams of case managers in the implementation of an innovative integrated services delivery for the elderly in France.
BACKGROUND
The case management process is now well defined, and teams of case managers have been implemented in integrated services delivery. However, little is known about the role played by the team of case managers and the value in having multidisciplinary case management teams. The objectives were to develop a fuller understanding of the role played by the case manager team and identify the value of inter-professional collaboration in multidisciplinary teams during the implementation of an innovative integrated service in France.


METHODS
We conducted a qualitative study with focus groups comprising 14 multidisciplinary teams for a total of 59 case managers, six months after their recruitment to the MAIA program (Maison Autonomie Integration Alzheimer).


RESULTS
Most of the case managers saw themselves as being part of a team of case managers (91.5%). Case management teams help case managers develop a comprehensive understanding of the integration concept, meet the complex needs of elderly people and change their professional practices. Multidisciplinary case management teams add value by helping case managers move from theory to practice, by encouraging them develop a comprehensive clinical vision, and by initiating the interdisciplinary approach.


CONCLUSIONS
The multidisciplinary team of case managers is central to the implementation of case management and helps case managers develop their new role and a core inter-professional competency.
Université Versailles St-Quentin, EA 2506 Laboratoire Santé-Environnement-Vieillissement, AP-HP, Hospitalisation à Domicile (HAD), 14 rue Vésale, 75005 Paris, France. matthieu.de-stampa@had.aphp.fr.
Matthieu
M
de Stampa
Isabelle
I
Vedel
Hélène
H
Trouvé
Joël
J
Ankri
Olivier
O
Saint Jean
Dominique
D
Somme
D000368:Aged; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D017144:Focus Groups; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D016730:Program Development; D036301:Qualitative Research