Care management in the twenty‐first century

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the persistent challenges in implementing care management within the context of integration. In addition the appropriateness of the care management model will be considered within the current, personalization focused, health and social care policy landscape. The paper draws upon a recent evaluation of a care management and assessment pilot project within a health and social care partnership in Scotland.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐method approach was adopted, including interviews, vignettes and focus groups, in order to capture data around expectations in relation to the pilot as well as exploring processes and outcomes for those involved.FindingsThis paper argues that whilst progress has been made with regard to care management, specific and persistent challenges remain. Professional and organizational boundaries, communication and information sharing remain key challenges. Policy imperatives have shifted the emphasis in community care services towards self‐care, co‐production and personalization contributing to a lack of clarity over the place of care management within the broader integration agenda.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was undertaken in one partnership locality in Scotland and as such the findings are related to that particular area. However, the key messages arising from this paper resonate with the broader academic literature on care management and as such are likely to be of interest to a broader audience.Originality/valueThis paper brings together integrated working, care management and the developing policy framework of self‐care to consider the challenges for care management in this context.