What is the primary goal of case management that the nurse should communicate to nursing students?

The primary goal of case management is to integrate care with cost-effective approaches. This focus on integration means that case management aims to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses all their needs effectively, while simultaneously considering the costs associated with that care. By fostering coordination among different healthcare providers and services, case management helps minimize unnecessary expenses and resources, making the care both efficient and more sustainable.

Understanding this goal is crucial for nursing students because it emphasizes the role that nurses play not only in direct patient care but also in managing healthcare resources and optimizing outcomes through thoughtful planning and organization. When a care plan is cost-effective, patients can receive the right care at the right time, reducing the likelihood of complications and hospital readmissions. This ultimately leads to better health outcomes and supports the overall sustainability of the healthcare system.

While enhancing patient satisfaction, providing multidisciplinary teamwork, and documenting interventions are all important aspects of nursing practice, they are not the primary goal of case management. Instead, they are elements that contribute to achieving the overarching goal of cost-effective, integrated care.