Author: Wetta-Hall R
Journal: Applied Nursing Research, 2007
Volume/pages: Vol 20, pp188-194

About the study
This evaluation of a collaborative nursing/social worker case management (CM) intervention took place in the US. Four paired sets of nurses and social workers helped (uninsured) patients access community resources, navigate the health care system, and find permanent medical care. The process included assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Routine hospital data was examined, and surveys carried out, to explore the impact of the intervention on numbers of visits to Accident and Emergency departments, and patients’ health status.

Findings
The researchers found that this collaborative working led to a reduction of visits to Accident and Emergency departments. There were also significant improvements in physical health status.

Key messages

• A multidisciplinary client-focussed intervention involving the client in goal-setting and decision-making is effective in improving access to care and reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
• This type of collaborative approach could be effective in improving health across a wide range of hard-to-reach groups.
• This sort of case management is cost-effective.