CASE-MANAGEMENT IN PSYCHIATRY - AN ANALYSIS OF TASKS

Objective: The authors analyze the concept of case management from the perspective of the task areas of psychiatry and demonstrate the impor tance of case management in the organization of psychiatric services. Method: The relevant literature was reviewed, and a functional analysi s of current practices is provided. Results: Case management is an amb iguous concept without a clear base in a professional discipline, and thus there is ongoing uncertainty about its mission, practice, and tra ining as well as authority and accountability issues. The activities o f the case manager in both the private and the public sectors entail w ork in the task areas of medical care, rehabilitation, social control, growth and development, and social welfare. In all of these areas, th e case manager may function in boundary management and in system enhan cement and development as well as provide clinical services. Conclusio ns: Case management has considerable potential as a means of organizin g and delivering mental health services in a cost-effective manner as long as its purpose, practice, and organizational structures are consi stent. Psychiatrists should be involved in the organization of case ma nagement services.