A Taxonomy of Case Management: Development, Dissemination and Impact

Abstract

Background Case management is a widely-accepted care coordination strategy, although complex and variable due to the interaction of its components: model (theory); context (service); population and health condition; case manager's actions. This complexity impedes practice, quality analysis, policy and planning. The aim was to develop a case management taxonomy for a common understanding and language and assess the impact of international dissemination. Method The mixed methods used to develop the case management taxonomy included: scoping and mapping review to examine key components described in the literature; critical review of international frames for conceptual and technical frameworks; a nominal group of experts and feasibility analysis. After development, there was extensive international dissemination and impact assessment of dissemination to diverse groups. Results The taxonomy identifies the components and their relationship (two taxonomy trees), provides a glossary. The service tree comprises acute, mobility and intensity characteristics. The intervention tree comprises the main actions, actions and related actions of case manager interventions. There were 51 personalised taxonomy presentations to audiences across 11 countries and numerous non-personalised presentations. After dissemination data was collected from two questionnaires and opportunistic information. The taxonomy was perceived as highly acceptable and practical. Impact ratings (n=43) showed the taxonomy was: translated into meso organisation policy and international frameworks; embedded in tertiary education; used in practice with emerging uses in research. Conclusion The taxonomy provides a framework to manage case management complexity. It identifies and defines the components and their relationships. Impact ratings show the case management taxonomy is a useful tool in different sectors and fit for purpose across different health conditions, hereafter called the ‘case management taxonomy’.