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An integrative review of nurse‐led community‐based case management effectiveness
Author(s) -
Joo J. Y.,
Huber D. L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international nursing review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1466-7657
pISSN - 0020-8132
DOI - 10.1111/inr.12068
Subject(s) - cinahl , psycinfo , medicine , nursing , health care , medline , patient satisfaction , disease management , alternative medicine , health management system , psychological intervention , pathology , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Background Accountable, continuous and patient‐centred care in community‐based settings is increasingly needed to reduce fragmented care, especially to reduce patient readmission rates. Case management has been proven effective in reducing healthcare costs and in increasing continuity of care, but its effectiveness in community‐based settings is not clear. Aim The aim of this integrative review is to examine the effectiveness of community‐based case management programmes in improving patient outcomes. Methods An integrative review of articles from PubMed , CINAHL and PsycInfo databases was undertaken to synthesize and analyse research about community‐based case management and its outcomes. Studies looking for patient outcomes and empirical studies published since 2000 were included. A total 18 articles were retrieved from 2000 to 2013. Results Most of the included studies were conducted in the USA , but international studies with quantitative approaches were reviewed ( n = 6). The review revealed that community‐based case management significantly reduced hospital access outcomes, especially readmissions and increased cost effectiveness, patient clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Limitations This study did not isolate studies of patients with diseases or demographic characteristics in common, resulting in large variations in disease and demographic factors. Conclusion There is a base of evidence that community‐based case management is effective. Because it provides quality, patient‐centred care, case management should be used for major care coordination. Implications for Nursing and Health Policy The benefits of community‐based case management need to be announced to healthcare leaders and policymakers.