What is the primary purpose of case management in a healthcare setting?

The primary purpose of case management in a healthcare setting is to coordinate patient care and ensure the efficient use of resources. Case management involves a holistic approach to patient care, aiming to assess, plan, facilitate, and advocate for options and services that meet an individual's health needs. This function helps to streamline care processes, improve patient outcomes, and minimize costs by preventing unnecessary services and promoting the effective use of healthcare resources.

While monitoring patient medications is a part of case management, it is not the overarching goal; rather, it fits within the broader context of coordinating all aspects of patient care. Conducting market research for healthcare services and managing hospital staff schedules do not align with the primary responsibilities of case management, which focuses specifically on patient care delivery rather than administrative or marketing functions. In essence, case management seeks to provide comprehensive support for patients' health needs, ensuring they receive appropriate care in a timely and resource-efficient manner.