This report synthesizes existing knowledge regarding case management, including its principal characteristics, models, and effectiveness. In so doing, this report provides the background information and frameworks California’s counties can use to design effective case management programs within integrated and coordinated long-term care systems. In this report, we describe various definitions and models of case management, provide a framework for counties to use as they design case management programs, and discuss the various aspects of assuring quality and evaluating effectiveness of case management programs. A companion report by Terri Taylor of the California Department of Health Services Office of Long-Term Care, Case Management in Long-Term Care Integration Programs: An overview of the CM programs in Arizona, California, Minnesota, Texas, & Wisconsin, provides a more in-depth description of specific case management programs currently operating in various states. Together, these documents can assist counties to design effective case management programs that promote seamless integration of long-term care. This report is organized into four sections. The first section describes the characteristics of case management. The second section consists of descriptions of common and emerging models of case management. Third, the evaluation of case management’s quality and effectiveness is discussed. Finally, current evaluations, unresolved issues, and challenges for the future are raised. // (2001)
