Case management involves the coordination and provision of services for individuals facing complex challenges, such as multiple and interconnected issues. Case managers have significant experience in assessing needs, creating personalised plans, and providing interventions to a wide range of complex mental health needs. A multi-level focus is utilised to engage with participants; analysing the changes that need to occur within both individual and familial/societal contexts. Case managers are also able to collaborate with other health practitioners to provide a holistic case management approach to achieving evidence based outcomes in accordance with an individuals' specific and changing needs. (AASW).
Complex cases may include participants experiencing intellectual impairment, mental illness, substance abuse issues, and forensic issues, for example. (Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry). It is important that individuals with these experiences receive appropriate advice and adequate assessments about their overall health to discover and address potential issues with their mental health. (Bureau of Health Information).
18% of individuals in primary health care experience multiple interacting challenges relating to the mental, physical, and social dimensions of health, having the most complex needs. (Health Research Policy and Systems).
The proportions of complex health needs has been found to increase with a participant's age, race, and ethnicity. (Health Research Policy and Systems).
In 2016-17, about 95% of publicly-funded specialised community mental health care services in NSW were provided to patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, adjustment and anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. (Bureau of Health Information).
