The needs and expectations of healthcare professionals concerning case management in a university hospital: a qualitative study

Abstract

Title: The needs and expectations of healthcare professionals concerning case management in a university hospital: a qualitative study. Background: Gynaecological cancer is a life-threatening and complex disease. Patients are going through long-term pathways, and this situation requires well-coordinated care. Case management (CM) is a well-known strategy to improve care coordination. Despite its widespread application and popularity, CM is not consistently defined. Particularly in gynaecological cancer, there is insufficient information about the needs and expectations of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding CM. Insight into these needs and expectations would facilitate the development of a tailor-made CM intervention for this specific group and expedite the desired change. Research question: What are the needs and expectations of HCPs working in a gynaecology department in a university hospital on CM? Method: A generic qualitative design with an inductive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between January and February 2017 with physicians, medical residents, (specialist) nurses and medical social workers. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: A total of 18 participants were interviewed. The majority of participants were working as nurses (n = 12). The needs and expectations reflect three major themes: (1) the importance of well-coordinated care; (2) transitions in professional roles; and (3) conditions for successful CM. Conclusion: HCPs working in the department of gynaecology expect that in realising well-coordinated care, a case manager can have great value. HCPs are mainly focused on CM within hospitals, while the patients’ complexity requires reliable hospital discharge planning. Recommendations: The findings of this research can be used as a basis for the intervention of CM and to optimise the implementation of CM in a gynaecological setting.