Nurse Case Manager: Measurement of Care Coordination Activities and Quality and Resource Use Outcomes When Caring for the Complex Patient With Hematologic Cancer.

BACKGROUND

The lack of coordination of care for complex patients in the hematology setting has prompted nurse case managers (NCMs) to coordinate that care.

OBJECTIVES

This article aimed to identify the frequency of NCM care coordination activities and quality and resource use outcomes in the complex care of patients in the hematology setting.

METHODS

NCM aggregate data from complex outpatients with hematologic cancer were retrieved from electronic health records at a comprehensive cancer center in the midwestern United States. Total volume of activities and outcomes were calculated as frequency and percentage.

FINDINGS

Care coordination activities included communicating; monitoring, following up, and responding to change; and creating a proactive plan of care. Quality outcomes included improving continuity of care and change in health behavior, and resource use outcomes most documented were patient healthcare cost savings.