The heterogeneity of the Case Manager role in Spain. A methodology for its conceptualization

• Published in: International journal of integrated care 2016-12, Vol.16 (6), p.138
• Main Authors: Martinez, Lucía, Álvarez, Arturo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chronic illnesses; Integrated delivery systems; Literature reviews; Professionals
• ISSN: 1568-4156; 1568-4156
• DOI: 10.5334/ijic.2686

This study aims to analyse and define the role of the case manager (CM) in Spain. The qualitative technique of semi-structured interviews together with the literature review technique have been chosen for the information gathering process. This study constitutes the first of the several stages of a broader research project whose ultimate goals are to create a Network of Integrated Care professionals (NIC) and to reach some conclusions about the CM role in Spain.The rise of chronic diseases, partly caused by demographic changes and increased longevity, requires the development of new strategies on health and social care policies. High levels of dependency associated to chronic patients imply that health care and social problems need to be addressed through coordinated actions of these two public services. The implementation of the CM seek to respond to this need.CM for chronic patients usually undertake coordination tasks within different levels of the health care system and between the health care and social systems. This coordination substantially enhances the continuity of care. Case management enables the integration of the social and health care systems and, therefore, the integrated and needs-centered health care service that patients require.The definition of the role played by the CMs is highly ambiguous; pluripathologies management, single collective (fragile elderly) and single disease management, to name only a few, are amongst them. Nevertheless, there have been also identified some of the CM most basic elements including; patients identification, problems and need assessments, care plan setting, etc.Methodology: Through the usage of an explorative methodology, the numerous roles played by the CM in Spain will be identified and classified. More concretely we will be looking at the main similarities and differences, and analysing impact results. Ultimately patterns and potential scenarios will be considered. This methodology is composed by various stages;1- Semi-structured interviews and literature review techniques will be used to gather information from professional interviewees (professional profiles, services offered, population target, etc). In addition, a theoretical framework will support the information provided by these professionals.The objective of this first stage is to obtain an initial document which describes and simplifies the complexity that characterises the practices related to the CM.2- Focus group; the next step will involve