Little Rock, AR — "Involvement/Participation Empowerment and Knowledge - Outcome Indicators of Case Management" is the title of the new State of the Science Paper published by The Council for Case Management Accountability (CCMA) and the Case Management Society of America (CMSA). Authored by Carrie Jo Braden, PhD, RN, FAAN, and edited by Gerri Lamb, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Mary Koithan, PhD, RN, this second of three planned State of the Science Papers, analyzes current literature and research on three of the direct outcomes of case management - patient involvement in care, patient empowerment and patient knowledge.

Other goals of this 116-page, soft-cover book are:

• To examine the functions of case managers and healthcare system outcomes
• To identify the values and assumptions inherent in using each of these concepts as direct outcomes for case management and their relevance for current practice
• To identify interventions known to influence each of these direct outcomes
• To identify possible measures for each of the three direct outcomes and their feasibility for use in practice

According to CCMA Chair, Sherry Aliotta, RN, BSN, CCM, "The second State of the Science Paper shows case management is in an evolutionary period of shifting values regarding the roles of patients and professionals. We are moving from involving patients to encouraging their active participation."

Braden reviewed more than 160 articles and book chapters for the project. "This paper delves into the body of case management literature and asks 'How are the direct outcomes of involvement, empowerment, and education reflected in current case management research and publications? Does the state of case management literature suggest that case managers are systematically defining, measuring, and evaluating their interventions linked to these direct outcomes?'"

Braden also indicates that patient involvement has become more about directing the patient to achieve system-oriented goals or resource usage and suggests that patient participation is more reflective of case management values.

Furthermore, Aliotta states, "The paper features tables that list models and interventions appearing in case management literature for both involvement and participation; provides an involvment and participation example model of mental health programs and provides several protocols, studies, algorithms, and activities available in existing literature."

To purchase copies of Paper Two, "Involvement/Participation Empowerment and Knowledge - Outcome Indicators of Case Management" and/or Paper One, "Patient Adherence - Outcome Indicators & Measurement in Case Management Healthcare," contact CMSA Member Services at (501) 225-2229, ext. 10 or order online. The cost is $25 each for CMSA members and $49 each for non-members (plus shipping/handling). Or take advantage of a special rate if you purchase both papers - receive State of the Science Papers One and Two for only $39 /set for members and $69 /set for non-members (plus shipping/handling).

CCMA was established in 1996 to demonstrate the impact of case management, to develop a consistent framework of measurement, to contribute to the body of knowledge on case management and to identify opportunities to increase the capacity of case managers to participate in outcomes and quality improvement.

Established in 1990, the Case Management Society of America has over 9,000 members and is an international non-profit 501 (c)(6), multi-disciplinary, professional organization dedicated to the support and advancement of the case management profession. Since its inception, CMSA has been at the forefront of setting professional standards for the industry, which allows for the highest level of efficiency and integrity, as well as developing national and local leaders who are recognized for their practice and professional excellence.

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