Do client characteristics predict case management activity?

Which factors predict case management services and how do these services relate to client outcomes?

“…Consistent with theoretical assumptions regarding case management (Intagliata, 1982), it was hypothesized that clients' profiles would predict case management services. Given findings from previous research that found a lack of association between profile and services (Clark, Landis, & Fisher, 1990; Hamner & Bryant, 1997), the current study also considered the working alliance as a predictor of the intervention. The results suggest that the working alliance is a much stronger predictor of intervention than clients' initial community functioning profile.…”

“…A central tenet of case management is that the provision of case management services should be based upon the needs of each individual (Intagliata, 1982). The few researchers that have examined this relationship have found that status characteristics (e.g., clients' overall functional level) do not relate to the amount of service time provided by case managers (Clark, Landis, & Fisher, 1990), even in a well-implemented system of care (Hamner & Bryant, 1997). Given this, it is critical to understand which other factors may be predictive of case management activity.…”

“…Since the deinstitutionalization movement began, there has been a steady growth in case management programs for individuals with serious mental illness. Despite this growth, there is limited information concerning the relationships between client characteristics and the services they receive (Clark, Landis, & Fisher, 1990; Hamner & Bryant, 1997), as well as the outcomes associated with these services (Bjorkman & Hansson, 2000; Issakidis, Sanderson, Teesson, Johnston, & Buhrich, 1999). This information is important when designing community mental health programs.…”