The Caseload Project: Phase II May 14, 2010

Over the years, case managers in a variety of healthcare settings have struggled with optimizing their case management caseload workflows and sizes.  In October 2008, CMSA and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) published an overview of the caseload issue, entitled “Case Management Caseload Concept Paper:  Proceedings of the Caseload Work Group.”  This analysis represented a two year effort to try to identify the potential variables that can influence a clinician or social worker’s caseload.  The 22-page issue brief can be downloaded at www.cmsa.org (click on the Individual portal, and then Membership Toolkit). 

 This research paper was well received by the case management community as a solid first step in understanding how clinical workflows, business requirements, and other factors can influence the amount of time case managers spend with their patients.  However since then, many have inquired about the development of a “caseload calculator” that could help provide guidance to both individual case managers and care management organizations. 

 Earlier this year, a number of individuals began working on Phase II of this project – which includes the development of a basic caseload calculator for CMSA’s membership and the development of one or more enterprise solutions.  The effort includes a partnership with several health care leaders and is being funded in part by CMI, Inc. and Schooner Healthcare Services. 

 A comprehensive update of the “Caseload Phase II” project will be presented at CMSA’s annual conference through a “third” Town Hall meeting, scheduled for Friday, June 11^th at 4 p.m. (ET).  A primary goal of this session is to provide an update on what Phase II entails and to solicit feedback on the project.  If you cannot attend the session, a summary of the proceedings will be made available.  In addition, there will be representatives available to speak about the new project at the CMSA exhibit booth in Orlando. 

 Over the coming months, CMSA also is hoping to collect some additional data from case managers, which in turn will be used as a basis to develop the “calculator” or algorithms supporting the new tools under development.  This is another great example of how technology can support the practice of case management.  Stay tuned for details. 

(Note:  Reprinted from the CMSA Membership Newsletter, 5/13/10)

Pat Stricker, RN, Med

Vice-President, Clinical and Client Services

TCS Healthcare Technologies