CASE MANAGEMENT WITHIN KAISER PERMANENTE (CALIFORNIA).
Contributors: Pepperdine University.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 124
Subjects: Business Administration, Management.; Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Health Care Management.
Description: To avoid the rapid increase in health care costs, alternative health care delivery mechanisms should be examined. These mechanisms should focus on quality, financial, and clinical outcomes. Research has supported implementation of case management as a significant system for delivery of quality health care in a cost effective manner. Utilization of case management as a health care delivery mechanism has demonstrated decreased fragmentation of care, eliminated duplication of services, and increased cost containment. Case management has also contributed to staff personal growth resulting in on-going clinical job satisfaction. Further, research reveals that in order to make a successful transition from the conventional health care delivery system to case management, health care providers should be informed and prepared for development and implementation of this change process.

Three research questions were addressed in this descriptive research study: (1) is case management practiced within Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region (KPSCR) settings, and if so, assess nurses (RNs) and physicians (MDs) perceptions of case management outcome: (2) have RNs and MDs been involved and prepared for development and the implementation process, and (3) has case management contributed to clinical job satisfaction for nurses and physicians?.

A survey was developed, validated and reliability reassured. The survey was completed by 72 RNs and 13 MDs involved with case management within KPSCR. Data were analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings revealed that case management has been initiated within KPSCR settings. Practicing various modes of case management being utilized from up to 1 year through more than one year. Nurses and physicians were prepared, and reported that case management has contributed to patient and staff satisfaction, and cost containment. Implications for administration, education, and research were identified and recommended.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-01, Section: A, page: 0324.

Thesis (ED.D.)--PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY, 1995.

School code: 6009.