Case management in community care: concepts, practices and implications for nursing.

Case management has recently become a prominent issue in British community policy and practice, but one which, at the same time, has been subjected to a variety of interpretations. For this reason, it is considered useful to analyse it in terms of a framework embracing conceptual and operational components rather than within the more limiting confines of conventional definitions. A review, within this framework, of initial research projects suggests case management to be a viable mode of community care, with generally favourable outcomes. It also suggests a potentially significant role for community nurses as case managers, although several issues need to be considered when implementing these practices. Finally, a number of questions emerge which should be the focus of future research in the area.