Case management information

Case managers (CM) are professionals who have experience working within the health and social care environments.

CM’s can obtain membership through different organisations such as CMSUK (Case Management Society UK) or BABICM (British Association of Brain Injury Case managers). These organisations manage membership, training and guidance on expected standards of practice and ethical underpinning of working as a Case manager. They can also provide information to enquiring customers of Case Management services on the specific qualifications of its members. Currently Case management is not a registered profession but the above organisations are in the process of developing standardised competencies to move towards the service provision becoming formally registered and accountable.CM can work as part of a company or as individuals and usually charge an hourly rate of between £90 -£110 / hour for their time with travel and mileage varying between companies or individuals. It is important that CM provide evidence of sufficient indemnity insurance, appropriate professional registration, and evidence of practice and DBS certification.

CM can be funded and involved via a variety of mechanisms , including the following examples ; the personal injury process , privately engaged , engaged through some of the trauma network pathways or NHS , CCG providers but could also be considered for funding through personal health budgets ( currently called PA funding ) , DP ( direct payments ) may also provide a source of funding .
CM’s are competent in a broad range of skills and are able to assess clients’ needs from a wide variety of presentations including: health, rehabilitation, social care, equipment, adaptations, mobility and to appropriately guide recommendations for intervention.
CM’s are not treating clinicians but are skilled in advocating and co coordinating the input of suitably qualified professionals to deliver the appropriate intensity and skill mix of intervention to progress recovery. They are experienced in engaging different services ensuring that the client’s goals and abilities are central to rehabilitation planning and that outcomes of any intervention are monitored. They should regularly appraise the costs of private provision or statutory service provision on behalf of the client and challenge if there is evidence that services are not providing adequate service to the client to which they are entitled.
CM’s are familiar with being accountable for the cost of delivering rehabilitation privately and navigating the network of administration required securing and / or appealing statutory funding opportunities.

They are used to inter-agency working across health, social care, education, housing etc and ensuring that the clients needs remain central to the decisions being made. CM is often the fulcrum ensuring that there is shared dialogue between all professionals delivering rehabilitation to ensure the clients optimum health and wellbeing. This can mean the CM liaising with any number of the following on behalf of and with the consent of the client : GP , physiotherapist , social care services co ordinating care packages , NHS , benefits officer , Psychologist , treating Consultant , Occupational Therapist , schools ,Employer, Higher education facilities .
CM’s are often expected to reflect on the evidence to support the ongoing needs which may indicate complex support packages of care and to work closely with any appointed Deputies , social care co coordinators , local authorities and housing officers in advocating the client’s needs .
CM’s are expected to advocate for clients they are appointed to work for liaising with their; families, friends, clinical and support teams. This is to ensure that the clients ; physical health , psychological wellbeing , social access and independence in their daily living skills are reviewed and enabled as far as is possible .

An important role of the CM is to facilitate access to education or work if required. This involves exploring any reasonable adjustments required and ensuring these are discussed and implemented and where possible appropriate funding is available.
Similarly ensuring access to the local community to support clients to play an active and integrated role within their local community. This may require co ordinating specialist driving or mobility assessments, working with charitable organisations or, volunteers, social enterprises locally and championing the goals the client has expressed.

The role of the CM is diverse and multifaceted. The knowledge base required to perform this role is significant and skilled.
Selection of the most appropriate CM is a very important decision that should be led by the client themselves or a significant other who can represent their wishes .It is important that the CM not only has the specific skills to work with needs represented by the client but very importantly is someone the client feels comfortable in the company of. Trust and integrity underpin the success of this relationship and should be reflected in the ability to discuss all aspects of the client’s life confidentially and safely.
The CM / client relationship is often a long lasting one and identifying the most appropriate CM should not be rushed.