Case management has been practised since the early 1900s, originating in the USA and now widely used in various other countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa. Early providers of case management services were community nurses and social workers who co-ordinated services through the public health sector. Following World War II, insurance companies began to employ nurses and social workers to assist with the co-ordination of care for soldiers who suffered complex injuries requiring multidisciplinary intervention.
In the early 1970s formalised case management evolved with pilot projects within the American public health system. In general the purpose was to co-ordinate, facilitate and follow, over time a clients use of a variety of health and social services. During this time it was acknowledged that a variety of professionals were carrying out a case management type role.
The focus of case management varied with the nature of the organisation providing case management services, the target population and the discipline of the case manager. As cost containment emerged in the health care industry, the dual priorities of case management became meeting the clients needs and making good use of community resources.
The utilisation of case management companies in the UK is proving its worth in terms of improving rehabilitation, quality of life and increasing client satisfaction. Additional benefits are improved compliance with healthcare regime, promoting client self-determination, facilitating client independence while reducing the overall care costs.
CMSUK have established the following committees to further the aims and objectives of the association:
CMSUK has defined Standards of Practise for Case Management and a copy is provided to all members. To view the standards online please click here.