The Characteristics of Difficult Cases Recognized by Care Managers

Abstract

Background and Aims : This study was to conducted identify the characteristics of difficult cases encountered by a care manager. Materials and Methods : Group interviews were taken of 16 care managers involved in care management at home care support offices in N prefecture. The questions were related to the situations, contexts and contents of difficult cases encountered by the care managers. The reported items were qualitatively analyzed. Results : Many of the care managers encountered difficulties in the stages of "planning" and "implementation" of the care management process. The contents in relation to difficult cases identified were "family coordination", "persuasion of service utilization", "chchallenges requiring professional interventions", etc, where time, specialized knowledge and appropriate collaborations of supporters were essential in care management. Conclusion : It is critical that the characteristics of difficult cases are recognized by care managers for improving the quality of care management under the long-term-care insurance system.