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Strategies for case management in transitional care in emergency services: scoping review

Estratégia para el manejo de casos em la atención de transición em servicios de emergência: scoping review

ABSTRACT

Objective:

to map and synthesize the strategies implemented for case management in transitional care for patients with complex needs in emergency services.

Method:

a scoping review conducted under the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. Twenty-three studies were analyzed, with different methodological designs, on the strategies used in case management involving adult and elderly populations in emergency services.

Results:

the main strategies employed were patient risk stratification screening/identification, care management plan, coordination of care through multidisciplinary activities, support for the transition process, continuous patient monitoring, and follow-up.

Final considerations:

these strategies used structured approaches to care in emergency services to promote support for self-management and effective transitional care for people with complex needs, ensuring comprehensiveness, coordination, and continuity of care.

Descriptors:
Case Management; Patient-Centered Care; Transitional Care; Review; Emergency Medical Services

RESUMEN

Objetivo:

mapear y sintetizar las estrategias implementadas para el manejo de casos en la atención de transición de pacientes con necesidades complejas en los servicios de emergencia.

Método:

una scoping review realizada según los supuestos metodológicos del Instituto Joanna Briggs y de Levac, Colquhoun y O'Brien. Se analizaron 23 estudios, con diferentes diseños metodológicos, sobre las estrategias utilizadas en el manejo de casos en poblaciones de adultos y ancianos, en el contexto de los servicios de emergencia.

Resultados:

las principales estrategias empleadas fueron: seguimiento/identificación del paciente y estratificación del riesgo; plan de gestión de la atención; coordinación de la atención a través de actividades multiprofesionales; apoyo para el proceso de transición; monitoreo continuo y seguimiento del paciente.

Consideraciones finales:

estas estrategias utilizaron enfoques de atención estructurada en los servicios de emergencia, para promover el apoyo para el autocontrol y la atención de transición efectiva para las personas con necesidades complejas, asegurando la integralidad, coordinación y continuidad de la atención.

Descriptores:
Manejo de Caso; Atencion Dirigida al Paciente; Cuidado de Transicion; Revision; Servicios Médicos de Urgência

RESUMO

Objetivo:

mapear e sintetizar as estratégias implementadas para o gerenciamento de caso no cuidado transicional de pacientes com necessidades complexas nos serviços de emergência.

Método:

scoping review conduzido segundo os pressupostos metodológicos do Instituto Joanna Briggs. Foram analisados 23 estudos, com diferentes delineamentos metodológicos, sobre as estratégias empregadas no gerenciamento de casos envolvendo populações adultas e idosas, no contexto dos serviços de emergência.

Resultados:

as principais estratégias empregadas foram: rastreamento/identificação e estratificação de risco do paciente; plano de gerenciamento do cuidado; coordenação do cuidado por meio da atuação multiprofissional; apoio ao processo de transição; monitoramento e seguimento contínuo do paciente.

Considerações finais:

essas estratégias utilizaram abordagens estruturadas do cuidado nos serviços de emergência, para promover o apoio ao autogerenciamento e o efetivo cuidado transicional de pessoas com necessidades complexas, garantindo a integralidade, coordenação e continuidade do cuidado.

Descritores:
Administração de Caso; Assistência Centrada no Paciente; Cuidado Transicional; Revisão; Serviços Médicos de Emergência

INTRODUCTION

Studies show that health system users demand care transitions resulting from acute and chronic aggravated conditions(11 Coleman EA. Falling through the cracks: challenges and opportunities for improving transitional care for persons with continuous complex care needs. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003;51(4):549-55. doi: 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51185.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003...
-22 Coleman EA, Boult C. Improving the quality of transitional care for persons with complex care needs. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003;51(4):556-7. doi:10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51186.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003...
). In general, these individuals experience a combination of complex needs, resulting from coping with multimorbidity, mental health problems, and social vulnerability, which result in a pattern of extreme use of emergency services, with frequent and unnecessary hospitalizations(33 Bodenheimer T, Berry-Millett R. Care management of patients with complex health care needs. Synth Proj Res Synth Rep. 2009 [cited 2017 Set 18];1(6). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22052205.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2205...

4 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...

5 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....

6 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....

7 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...

8 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...

9 Pope D, Fernandes CM, Bouthillette F, Etherington J. Frequent users of the emergency department: a program to improve care and reduce visits. Cmaj [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 Sep 12];162(7):1017-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763402
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1076...

10 Roberts RM, Dalton KL, Evans JV, Wilson CL. A service model of short-term case management for elderly people at risk of hospital admission. Aust Health Rev. 2007;31(2):173-83. doi: 10.1071/ah070173
https://doi.org/10.1071/ah070173...

11 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
-1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
).

Despite the growing number of people with complex care and social needs, health care models that focus on illness in health systems still prevail. The complex relationship of social determinants and emotional, psychological, and behavioral factors, which lead to the need to integrate different services to promote continuity of care, is disregarded(1313 Kuluski K, Ho JW, Hans PK, Nelson ML. Community care for people with complex care needs: bridging the gap between health and social care. Int J Integr Care. 2017;17(4):2. doi: https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.2944
https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.2944...
-1414 Manning E, Gagnon M. The complex patient: a concept clarification. Nurs Health Sci. 2017;19(1):13-21. doi: 10.1111/nhs.12320
https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12320...
).

Care transition consists of a set of actions to ensure the coordination and continuity of care for patients and promote a safe and timely transfer from one level of attention to another(22 Coleman EA, Boult C. Improving the quality of transitional care for persons with complex care needs. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003;51(4):556-7. doi:10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51186.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003...
,1515 Naylor MD, Aiken LH, Kurtzman ET, Olds DM, Hirschman KB. The importance of transitional care in achieving health reform. Health Aff (Millwood). 2011;30(4):746-54. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0041
https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2011.004...
). Transitional care approach is related to a comprehensive care plan; communication; safe use of medications; patient and family education to promote self-management; social and community support; participation of the multidisciplinary team to meet the complex care needs of patients; coordination of care; monitoring and follow-up(1616 Burke RE, Kripalani S, VasilevskisEE, Schnipper JL. Moving beyond readmission penalties: creating an ideal process to improve transitional care. J Hosp Med. 2013;8(2):102-9. doi: 10.1002/jhm.1990
https://doi.org/10.1002/jhm.1990...
-1717 Snow V, Beck D, Budnitz T, Miller DC, Potter J, Wears RL, et al. Transitions of care consensus policy statement: American college of physicians, society of general internal medicine, society of hospital medicine, american geriatrics society, american college of emergency physicians, and society for academic emergency medici ne. J Hosp Med. 2009;4(6):364-70. doi: 10.1002/jhm.510
https://doi.org/10.1002/jhm.510...
).

It is essential to qualify care transition, especially in emergency services, to guarantee and improve patient follow-up after discharge, especially in primary care, and to avoid avoidable future readmissions(1818 Atzema CL, Maclagan LC. The transition of care between emergency department and primary care: a scoping study. Acad Emerg Med. 2017;24(2):201-15. doi: 10.1111/acem.13125
https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.13125...
). However, despite the advances in this theoretical conception, both developed and developing countries find, in practice, weaknesses in managing care transition in emergency services(66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,1919 Acosta AM, Da Silva Lima MAD. Características de usuários frequentes de serviços de urgência: revisão integrativa. Rev Eletrôn Enferm. 2013[cited 2017 May 15];15(2):564-73. Available from: https://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v15/n2/pdf/v15n2a31.pdf
https://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v15/n2/pd...

20 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...

21 Brewster LR, Rudell LS, Lesser CS. Emergency room diversions: a symptom of hospitals under stress. Issue Brief Cent Stud Health Syst Change [Internet]. 2001 [cited 2017 May 15];(38):1-4. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11603406
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1160...
-2222 Freitas LFC, Moreira DA, Brito MJM. The continuity of care from the perspective of the being cared for. 2014;19(4):636-42. doi: 10.5380/ce.v19i4.35993
https://doi.org/10.5380/ce.v19i4.35993...
).

The main concern of emergency services is the entry of patients, and gaps related to transitions of care(1919 Acosta AM, Da Silva Lima MAD. Características de usuários frequentes de serviços de urgência: revisão integrativa. Rev Eletrôn Enferm. 2013[cited 2017 May 15];15(2):564-73. Available from: https://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v15/n2/pdf/v15n2a31.pdf
https://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v15/n2/pd...
). Another important aspect refers to the high demand for care and the high costs of these services since a group of users frequently seeks care in these places on several occasions and for different reasons(66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,1919 Acosta AM, Da Silva Lima MAD. Características de usuários frequentes de serviços de urgência: revisão integrativa. Rev Eletrôn Enferm. 2013[cited 2017 May 15];15(2):564-73. Available from: https://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v15/n2/pdf/v15n2a31.pdf
https://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v15/n2/pd...
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
).

Qualifying care transition requires that managers, health professionals, and researchers are effectively engaged in the ongoing debate to search for resolutive strategies that allow them to deal and adequately manage this complex reality(1919 Acosta AM, Da Silva Lima MAD. Características de usuários frequentes de serviços de urgência: revisão integrativa. Rev Eletrôn Enferm. 2013[cited 2017 May 15];15(2):564-73. Available from: https://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v15/n2/pdf/v15n2a31.pdf
https://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v15/n2/pd...
).

One of the recommended strategies to improve care transition, case management, has shown promising results in terms of qualifying care, promoting quality of life, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and, consequently, health care costs(2424 Hong CS, Siegel AL, Ferris TG. Caring for high-need, high-cost patients: what makes for a successful care management program. Issue Brief (Commonw Fund) [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2017 May 15];19(1):1-19. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25115035
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2511...

25 Kim Y-J, Soeken KL. A meta-analysis of the effect of hospital-based case management on hospital length-of-stay and readmission. Nurs Res [Internet]. 2005 [cited 2017 May 17];54(4):255-64. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16027568
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1602...
-2626 National Case Management Network (CA). Canadian standards of practice in case management. [Internet] Ottawa: National Case Management Network; 2009 [cited 2017 Mar 08]. [about 18 p.]. Available from: http://www.ncmn.ca/standards
http://www.ncmn.ca/standards...
).

The ideal case management model is a collaborative process that involves planning, advocating, facilitating, coordinating care, monitoring, and assessing services according to clients' health needs(2727 Finkelman A. Professional nursing concepts: competencies for quality leadership. 4th ed. Burlington (MA): Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2019. 1294 p.-2828 Tahan HM, Treiger TM. CMSA core curriculum for case management. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins. 2017. 738 p.). It is made possible through communication between the various members of the multidisciplinary team to meet the health needs of patients and promote effective results concerning the quality of care and health costs(2626 National Case Management Network (CA). Canadian standards of practice in case management. [Internet] Ottawa: National Case Management Network; 2009 [cited 2017 Mar 08]. [about 18 p.]. Available from: http://www.ncmn.ca/standards
http://www.ncmn.ca/standards...
,2828 Tahan HM, Treiger TM. CMSA core curriculum for case management. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins. 2017. 738 p.).

Despite being an internationally consolidated action, in countries like Canada(2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,2929 Soril LJ, Leggett LE, Lorenzetti DL, Noseworthy TW, Clement FM. Reducing frequent visits to the emergency department: a systematic review of interventions. PloS One. 2015;10(4):e0123660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123660
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012...
), United States(55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,2929 Soril LJ, Leggett LE, Lorenzetti DL, Noseworthy TW, Clement FM. Reducing frequent visits to the emergency department: a systematic review of interventions. PloS One. 2015;10(4):e0123660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123660
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012...

30 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
-3131 Walsh K, Z. Emergency Department Case Management: the compendium of best practices [Internet] 2nd ed. Danvers (MA): HCPro; 2014 [cited 2018 Aug 21]. Available from: https://hcmarketplace.com/aitdownloadablefiles/download/aitfile/aitfile_id/1616.pdf
https://hcmarketplace.com/aitdownloadabl...
), Australia(88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
), Switzerland(3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
), Sweden(3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
), and England(1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
), there is a scarcity of studies that show the importance of case management in care transitions from emergency services to other levels of health care.

In an initial search at MEDLINE via PUBMED to carry out the study, some reviews on emergency services have been identified(66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,3434 Joo JY, Huber DL. Scoping Review of Nursing Case Management in the United States. Clin Nurs Res. 2018;27(8):1002-16. doi: 10.1177/1054773817717861
https://doi.org/10.1177/1054773817717861...
). The studies highlighted the following benefits attributed to case management: promotion of transitional, continuous, and person-centered care; efficacy and effectiveness when applied to various groups in different configurations; and ability to reduce costs(2525 Kim Y-J, Soeken KL. A meta-analysis of the effect of hospital-based case management on hospital length-of-stay and readmission. Nurs Res [Internet]. 2005 [cited 2017 May 17];54(4):255-64. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16027568
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1602...
,3434 Joo JY, Huber DL. Scoping Review of Nursing Case Management in the United States. Clin Nurs Res. 2018;27(8):1002-16. doi: 10.1177/1054773817717861
https://doi.org/10.1177/1054773817717861...
). The researchers identified the need to synthesize and deepen the description of the characteristics of these strategies; thus, they mentioned the emergency service guidelines, although it was not the primary objective of the reviews present the strategies used for case management(66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
).

In this context, this scoping review aimed to identify the strategies used for case management in emergency services by synthesizing evidence from studies with different methodological designs.

This study can contribute to support clinical practice and present new possibilities that allow implementing case management to favor timely, safe, and equitable access to people, families, and communities.

OBJECTIVE

To map and synthesize the strategies used for case management in transitional care for patients with complex needs in emergency services.

METHODS

The scoping review developed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological assumptions(3535 Peters MDJ, Godfrey CM, Khalil H, McInerney P, Parker D, Soares CB. Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Int J Evid Based Healthc [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2018 Sep 21];13(3):141-6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26134548
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2613...
), in line with Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien recommendations(3636 Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'Brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implement Sci [Internet]. 2010 [cited Dec 12];5(1):69. Available from: 10.1186/1748-5908-5-69
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-5-69...
). It followed the PRISMA extension checklist for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR)(3737 Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018[cited 2018 Aug 21];169(7):467-73. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30178033
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3017...
). The five methodological were: (1) research question identification; (2) relevant study identification; (3) study selection; (4) result mapping and gathering; and (5) narrative synthesis of the results(3535 Peters MDJ, Godfrey CM, Khalil H, McInerney P, Parker D, Soares CB. Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Int J Evid Based Healthc [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2018 Sep 21];13(3):141-6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26134548
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2613...
-3636 Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'Brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implement Sci [Internet]. 2010 [cited Dec 12];5(1):69. Available from: 10.1186/1748-5908-5-69
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-5-69...
).

The guiding question defined through PCC strategy (P - Population; C - Concept; and C - Context) was: what are the strategies for managing cases in the transitional care of patients with complex needs in emergency services? The investigated context involved serving frequent users of emergency services, with a history of multimorbidity, frequent hospitalizations, impaired mental health, and experiencing situations of social vulnerability(33 Bodenheimer T, Berry-Millett R. Care management of patients with complex health care needs. Synth Proj Res Synth Rep. 2009 [cited 2017 Set 18];1(6). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22052205.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2205...
,1414 Manning E, Gagnon M. The complex patient: a concept clarification. Nurs Health Sci. 2017;19(1):13-21. doi: 10.1111/nhs.12320
https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12320...
).

Chart 1 described the eligibility criteria for the studies.

Chart 1
Synthesis of eligibility criteria for scoping review

We carried out an initial search at MEDLINE (via PUBMED) and CINAHL (via OVID) databases to analyze the keywords contained in titles and abstracts and controlled descriptors used in the studies identified. Based on this analysis, a chart of controlled and uncontrolled descriptors was built. Such chart included key concepts related to patients with complex needs, care transition, case management, and emergency medical services.

A comprehensive and extensive search strategy was adopted to identify studies published until June 2018, in English, Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanish. The research team defined a search strategy for each database, considering the standardized terminology and the following controlled descriptors from Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): "Critical Care", "Continuity Of Patient Care", "Transitional Care", "Case Management", and "Emergency Medical Services". A specific search strategy was developed for each database, maintaining combinations of descriptors and using Boolean operators (AND and OR).

The searches were implemented in the following databases: Latin American & Caribbean Literature and Health Sciences (LILACS); Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via the US National Library of Medicine Institute of Health (PUBMED); Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) via OVID; and EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE) via OVID. There was also access to the Web of Science Core Collection and Google Scholar.

The following steps were taken: 1. specific search in each database; 2. removal of duplicate articles; 3. selection by title and abstract; 4. assessment by reading the full text, discussing discrepancies and agreeing on the final sample; and 5. review of the articles' reference lists in the final sample. All of these steps were carried out independently, by two reviewers, with training in searching scientific information. For this process, the reference manager software Endnote X 7.4 was used.

To ensure methodological rigor, these reviewers participated in weekly meetings so that they could carefully monitor the search and selection process. It is noteworthy that there was no disagreement among them at any stage.

Mapping and gathering the data included a standardized structure(3535 Peters MDJ, Godfrey CM, Khalil H, McInerney P, Parker D, Soares CB. Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Int J Evid Based Healthc [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2018 Sep 21];13(3):141-6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26134548
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2613...
,3636 Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'Brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implement Sci [Internet]. 2010 [cited Dec 12];5(1):69. Available from: 10.1186/1748-5908-5-69
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-5-69...
) for recording the following information: author(s); year and country of publication; aims; characteristics of the strategies employed; sample; method; results; and main considerations(3535 Peters MDJ, Godfrey CM, Khalil H, McInerney P, Parker D, Soares CB. Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Int J Evid Based Healthc [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2018 Sep 21];13(3):141-6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26134548
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2613...
,3737 Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018[cited 2018 Aug 21];169(7):467-73. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30178033
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3017...
).

The narrative synthesis of the results included: (a) numerical synthesis and descriptive abstract; (b) presentation of the characteristics of the case management strategies; (c) synthesis of the results considering the target population and the strategies used for case management in emergency services. The strategies employed were described in terms of the following operational steps(2626 National Case Management Network (CA). Canadian standards of practice in case management. [Internet] Ottawa: National Case Management Network; 2009 [cited 2017 Mar 08]. [about 18 p.]. Available from: http://www.ncmn.ca/standards
http://www.ncmn.ca/standards...
,2828 Tahan HM, Treiger TM. CMSA core curriculum for case management. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins. 2017. 738 p.,3838 American Case Management Association. Standards of practice and scope of services for health care delivery system case management and transitions of care professionals [Internet] Little Rock; 2013 [cited 2018 Aug 21]. Available from: https://www.acmaweb.org/forms/Case_Management_SoP_SoS.pdf.
https://www.acmaweb.org/forms/Case_Manag...
) presented in Chart 2.

Chart 2
Case management process steps

RESULTS

After searching the selected databases, assessment and selection of studies were initiated. Of a total of 200 articles initially identified, 161 were excluded for not meeting the pre-established eligibility criteria, and eight were duplicated citations, leaving 31 publications for a full reading. In this step, 31 articles have been included, based on assessing the reference lists. However, after reading full-text of the 62 articles, 39 were excluded for not explicitly addressing case management in emergency services so that the final sample analyzed corresponded to 23 articles. The results are described in the flowchart shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1
Flowchart, according to PRISMA, for selection and inclusion of studies in the scoping review(3737 Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018[cited 2018 Aug 21];169(7):467-73. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30178033
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3017...
)

Most were published between 2014 and 2018 and conducted in the United States (14 articles) and Canada (4 articles). The methodological approaches used were experimental(1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
), quasi-experimental(77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
,99 Pope D, Fernandes CM, Bouthillette F, Etherington J. Frequent users of the emergency department: a program to improve care and reduce visits. Cmaj [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 Sep 12];162(7):1017-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763402
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1076...
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
-4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
), observational(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
-55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
) studies, systematic reviews without meta-analysis(66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2929 Soril LJ, Leggett LE, Lorenzetti DL, Noseworthy TW, Clement FM. Reducing frequent visits to the emergency department: a systematic review of interventions. PloS One. 2015;10(4):e0123660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123660
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012...
), thematic analysis reviews(2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
), and other modalities (experience reports and reflection articles)(3131 Walsh K, Z. Emergency Department Case Management: the compendium of best practices [Internet] 2nd ed. Danvers (MA): HCPro; 2014 [cited 2018 Aug 21]. Available from: https://hcmarketplace.com/aitdownloadablefiles/download/aitfile/aitfile_id/1616.pdf
https://hcmarketplace.com/aitdownloadabl...
,4343 Brewer BB, Jackson L. A case management model for the emergency department. J Emerg Nurs. 1997;23(6):618-21. doi: 10.1016/s0099-1767(97)90280-4
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0099-1767(97)90...

44 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...

45 Walsh KT, Moran P, Greenwood C. A successful emergency department case management practice model. Case Manager [Internet]. 2003[cited 2018 Sep 5];14(6):54-7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14618150
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1461...
-4646 Walsh KM. ED case managers: one large teaching hospital's experience. J Emerg Nurs [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2018 Sep 5];25(1):17-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925673
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925...
) (Chart 3).

Chart 3
Selected studies in the scoping review on case management strategies in emergency services, 2018

The studies showed that the most frequent users are patients with complex needs related to vulnerability (people with psychiatric problems, substance abuse, especially alcohol and drugs, chronic clinical conditions (cardiovascular, neurological and pulmonary) and, to psychosocial stressors (social isolation, lack of health insurance, homeless people, poverty, lack of community resources and housing).

Moreover, it was highlighted in some studies that the frequent, disproportionate and inappropriate use of emergency services increases the demand, costs, and damages the adequate quality and safety of care in these units(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...

5 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....

6 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....

7 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...

8 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
-99 Pope D, Fernandes CM, Bouthillette F, Etherington J. Frequent users of the emergency department: a program to improve care and reduce visits. Cmaj [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 Sep 12];162(7):1017-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763402
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1076...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
-1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,2929 Soril LJ, Leggett LE, Lorenzetti DL, Noseworthy TW, Clement FM. Reducing frequent visits to the emergency department: a systematic review of interventions. PloS One. 2015;10(4):e0123660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123660
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012...
-3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
,4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
).

The researchers presented different configurations for the team responsible for case management in emergency services. Models centered on the role of nurses(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
-55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,2121 Brewster LR, Rudell LS, Lesser CS. Emergency room diversions: a symptom of hospitals under stress. Issue Brief Cent Stud Health Syst Change [Internet]. 2001 [cited 2017 May 15];(38):1-4. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11603406
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1160...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
-4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
,4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
-4343 Brewer BB, Jackson L. A case management model for the emergency department. J Emerg Nurs. 1997;23(6):618-21. doi: 10.1016/s0099-1767(97)90280-4
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0099-1767(97)90...
,4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
,4646 Walsh KM. ED case managers: one large teaching hospital's experience. J Emerg Nurs [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2018 Sep 5];25(1):17-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925673
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925...
) and contemporary models were identified, in an expanded and multidisciplinary perspective, composed of physicians, nutritionists, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and social workers(77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...

8 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
-99 Pope D, Fernandes CM, Bouthillette F, Etherington J. Frequent users of the emergency department: a program to improve care and reduce visits. Cmaj [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 Sep 12];162(7):1017-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763402
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1076...
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,4545 Walsh KT, Moran P, Greenwood C. A successful emergency department case management practice model. Case Manager [Internet]. 2003[cited 2018 Sep 5];14(6):54-7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14618150
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1461...
).

The case managers actions in emergency services were performing the screening, and assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families(3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
,4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
,4646 Walsh KM. ED case managers: one large teaching hospital's experience. J Emerg Nurs [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2018 Sep 5];25(1):17-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925673
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925...
); evaluate the discharged patients' needs and who are at high risk for readmission(4646 Walsh KM. ED case managers: one large teaching hospital's experience. J Emerg Nurs [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2018 Sep 5];25(1):17-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925673
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925...
); identifying the motivation of individuals to seek assistance in emergency departments(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
) and, the barriers to receive care in an outpatient setting(3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,4343 Brewer BB, Jackson L. A case management model for the emergency department. J Emerg Nurs. 1997;23(6):618-21. doi: 10.1016/s0099-1767(97)90280-4
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0099-1767(97)90...
).

Other roles of case managers include facilitating decision-making and coordination of clinical care(88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
); promoting diversified and safe discharge(88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
), helping teams to develop individualized care plans(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
,88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
,4545 Walsh KT, Moran P, Greenwood C. A successful emergency department case management practice model. Case Manager [Internet]. 2003[cited 2018 Sep 5];14(6):54-7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14618150
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1461...
-4646 Walsh KM. ED case managers: one large teaching hospital's experience. J Emerg Nurs [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2018 Sep 5];25(1):17-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925673
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925...
). They are responsible for promoting educational actions for self-management of care(88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
); coordinating care follow-up by informing patients about care level options, and thereby contributing to reducing the misuse of emergency services due to organizational care limitations(88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
).

Regarding the strategies used for case management, a central concern was identified with care optimization to prevent or reduce the need for new access to emergency departments by frequent users. In this context, case managers play an essential role in implementing the continuum of hospital and community care services, which includes clinical assessment, coordination, and communication with other service providers(3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
).

In the studies analyzed, strategies focused on coordinating and integrating patients to return to the community prevailed, by monitoring the results of both the care team and the case manager(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
,77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
,4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
). Activities identified as useful were primarily a comprehensive and extensive clinical assessment; technological improvement, such as electronic health records, to establish effective communication between the different levels of health care; and notification of case managers about potential patients to be admitted to the program(77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
,4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
).

These activities improve the experience of patient care in emergency services; facilitate the decision-making of the multidisciplinary team for safe transfer of responsibility for care to other levels of health care and the family context; optimize communication among health professionals, patients, and family members; favor the definition of the most appropriate level of care to reduce the length of stay and avoid frequent use of emergency services; reduce costs of care; and, consequently, promote safety and quality(3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
,4545 Walsh KT, Moran P, Greenwood C. A successful emergency department case management practice model. Case Manager [Internet]. 2003[cited 2018 Sep 5];14(6):54-7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14618150
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1461...
). The main strategies implemented for case management are synthesized in Chart 4.

Chart 4
Synthesis of strategies implemented for case management in emergency services, 2018

The strategies adopted for managing the cases included: screening and assessment of patients(55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
-1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
-4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
); development of an individualized care plan(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
-55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
-88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...

40 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...

41 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
-4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
); care coordination through a multidisciplinary performance(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
-55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
-88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
); support for the transition process through patient education actions(2222 Freitas LFC, Moreira DA, Brito MJM. The continuity of care from the perspective of the being cared for. 2014;19(4):636-42. doi: 10.5380/ce.v19i4.35993
https://doi.org/10.5380/ce.v19i4.35993...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
-4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
); communication(77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
-4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
); monitoring, follow-up, and assessment(3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
) for periodic verification of their needs and progress.

Case management begins with screening and assessment in emergency departments when case managers review the medical records and electronic records to identify frequent service users at high risk of relapse and with complex care needs(3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
). Then, telephone or letter contact is made with patients eligible to receive case management, inviting them to participate in the program(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
). If accepted, they attend a one-to-one interview with the case manager, to collect information about their clinical and psychosocial needs as well as to identify the reason that led them to seek emergency care and the barriers identified by them for primary care assistance(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
-1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...

40 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
-4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
). This information enables identifying the appropriate level of care for patients to ensure timely access and continuity of care(1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
).

Emphasis on developing individualized care plans was placed in most of the studies analyzed(55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
-66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
-1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
). Care plans aim to coordinate the services needed for patients for both hospitalization and outpatient treatment; prevent inappropriate admissions; improve discharge plans; reduce costs; ensure patient satisfaction and refer to appropriate locations(4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
).

There is an incentive to involve and actively participate in developing a care plan, as they are factors that favor decision-making and contribute to identifying appropriate solutions to problems(88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
). Thus, it is possible to allow patient improvement concerning the care they need, and the means of achieving it(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
)) are evidenced.

Another significant aspect concerns implementing electronic records systems in emergency departments, since they allow to identify frequent service users and create an individualized care plan. In this way, the multidisciplinary team will have access to the information of these patients and will be able to adapt the plan, if necessary(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
-55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
-4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
).

The study conducted by Pillow et al.(4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
) showed that implementing a program for electronic screening through alert icons visualized in the electronic registration system of emergency departments helps identify frequent users with complex care needs. In such cases, the team must communicate the fact to the case manager so that the case management process can be triggered. A professional case manager then places a notice on a board in the emergency department to alert the medical and nursing staff about the treatment of patients enrolled in the program(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
).

Patient education is a necessary approach throughout the case management process. Case managers act as advisors and educators(2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
), both concerning care self-management and on the services available at different levels(66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
). Moreover, they provide patient guidance to properly use the health system (2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
,4646 Walsh KM. ED case managers: one large teaching hospital's experience. J Emerg Nurs [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2018 Sep 5];25(1):17-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925673
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925...
), providing care options, and helping them make the most appropriate choices(3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
) .

Communication among professionals, provision of resources in the community, access to primary care physicians, quality of care and reduction of costs, visits, and inappropriate admissions to emergency departments are expected and reported results in most interventions(55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,2121 Brewster LR, Rudell LS, Lesser CS. Emergency room diversions: a symptom of hospitals under stress. Issue Brief Cent Stud Health Syst Change [Internet]. 2001 [cited 2017 May 15];(38):1-4. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11603406
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1160...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
).

In emergency services, there were, among frequent users, people in situations of vulnerability due to mental health problems and alcohol and drug abuse. For this population, emergency service case managers maintain direct communication with primary care professionals; and together, they participate in planning strategies to ensure the follow-up, assessment, and periodic reassessment of patients' needs and their progress in primary care(77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
-88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
).

One of these strategies involves assertive community outreach treatment, performed by professionals with training in social assistance, nursing, and psychiatry. The aim is to provide intensive support and guided by their needs so that patients return to the community and do not need new hospitalizations or seek emergency services unnecessarily(77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
-88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
).

Multidisciplinary teams must act in an interconnected manner under the leadership of case managers, whose central role is to promote coordination between clinical and social service providers, emergency services, outpatient care, and home care(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...

5 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
-66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
-1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,2929 Soril LJ, Leggett LE, Lorenzetti DL, Noseworthy TW, Clement FM. Reducing frequent visits to the emergency department: a systematic review of interventions. PloS One. 2015;10(4):e0123660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123660
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...

41 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
-4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
,4646 Walsh KM. ED case managers: one large teaching hospital's experience. J Emerg Nurs [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2018 Sep 5];25(1):17-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925673
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925...
).

Another key action involves patient monitoring and follow-up. The studies that addressed this strategy highlighted case management through telephone contact and home visits, facilitating communication with other health professionals through case managers, and monitoring after the implementation of the managed care plan(3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
). These studies indicated that this follow-up improves service to users, contributes to reducing the number of visits to emergency departments, days, and costs of hospitalizations and, consequently, favors health system use.

In this sense, studies have shown that case management is a model of care coordination that involves patients and allows them to be referred to the level most appropriate to their clinical and psychosocial condition. It occurs through the assessment of available support services and identification of barriers found for timely access, to meet the real needs of patients and promote safe discharge(66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
,4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
) .

DISCUSSION

This scoping review mapped the scientific evidence related to case management strategies in the transition of care for adults and older people with complex needs in emergency services over the past 21 years. Current case management models involve the conception of people-centered care, with the perspective of guaranteeing people effective continuity of health care. It requires a multidisciplinary health assessment system formed by a set of logical steps and a process of interaction between health care networks to guarantee an appropriate transition of patient care throughout the health system(33 Bodenheimer T, Berry-Millett R. Care management of patients with complex health care needs. Synth Proj Res Synth Rep. 2009 [cited 2017 Set 18];1(6). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22052205.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2205...
,2727 Finkelman A. Professional nursing concepts: competencies for quality leadership. 4th ed. Burlington (MA): Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2019. 1294 p.).

Most of the mapped and synthesized studies showed that the case management strategies implemented in an emergency, for users with complex care needs, have been effective in reducing service use. Furthermore, according to studies, these actions guarantee coordination and continuity of care for other settings, especially for primary care(55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
-4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
).

This model has been used to integrate services around patients' individual needs through the coordination of care(77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
-4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
). It can be implemented through using information technologies, such as electronic health records systems, to identify patients who need to be enrolled in this type of program(55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
).

In emergency services, this process has the central objective of promoting the ideal transition of patients to guarantee continuity of care and better adapt the use of these services(77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
). There is evidence that this model contributes to patients obtaining the necessary care in the health system(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
,77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,2727 Finkelman A. Professional nursing concepts: competencies for quality leadership. 4th ed. Burlington (MA): Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2019. 1294 p.,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
).

Case management responds to the complex needs of patients and aims to promote self-management of care and improve the integration of this population with health services(2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
). Case management has taken on a central role in terms of coordinating high complexity care in emergency services, especially for frequent users who have complex clinical and psychosocial needs(88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
-99 Pope D, Fernandes CM, Bouthillette F, Etherington J. Frequent users of the emergency department: a program to improve care and reduce visits. Cmaj [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 Sep 12];162(7):1017-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763402
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1076...
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,2929 Soril LJ, Leggett LE, Lorenzetti DL, Noseworthy TW, Clement FM. Reducing frequent visits to the emergency department: a systematic review of interventions. PloS One. 2015;10(4):e0123660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123660
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
-4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
). In some cases, such strategies also include the relatives of these patients(99 Pope D, Fernandes CM, Bouthillette F, Etherington J. Frequent users of the emergency department: a program to improve care and reduce visits. Cmaj [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 Sep 12];162(7):1017-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763402
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1076...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,4545 Walsh KT, Moran P, Greenwood C. A successful emergency department case management practice model. Case Manager [Internet]. 2003[cited 2018 Sep 5];14(6):54-7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14618150
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1461...
).

It is perceived that case management, when effectively implemented, promotes the connection of patients with primary care, which is fundamental to avoid fragmentation of care. However, for this to be genuinely contemplated, it is necessary to have a case manager who works within the emergency department and establishes communication with the outpatient network about the essential care for patients, ensuring continuity and avoiding recurrences in the service(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...

5 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
-66 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
,99 Pope D, Fernandes CM, Bouthillette F, Etherington J. Frequent users of the emergency department: a program to improve care and reduce visits. Cmaj [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 Sep 12];162(7):1017-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763402
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1076...
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2929 Soril LJ, Leggett LE, Lorenzetti DL, Noseworthy TW, Clement FM. Reducing frequent visits to the emergency department: a systematic review of interventions. PloS One. 2015;10(4):e0123660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123660
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
).

Case management is an intervention that favors the monitoring of these people through screening, care, and follow-up planning for continuous monitoring of patients' progress and patterns of demand for health care, quality of life, and feedback regarding patients' responses to implemented care plans(55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
) .

Screening emerges as a central element and involves an approach with embracement, identification, and accurate assessment of users and their families, not only to solve their immediate problem, but mainly, to promote adequate regulation to other levels of care. Moreover, this step is vital to ensure continuity of information for other health professionals and, above all, to promote safe and useful user navigation in the health system(55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
). Screening patients includes the assessment of their clinical and psychosocial needs, intending to identify early risks of admission and readmission in emergency services. These people are monitored until stability or until they can seek care in the appropriate setting(3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
).

However, for this plan to be successfully implemented, one of the essential strategies for case management intervention in emergency services, in addition to the presence of a professional case manager and the involvement of patients in creating their care plan, consists of developing and implementing an electronic registration system(2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
,4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
)) . This strategy allows establishing timely communication and promotes the support and participation of patients, families, the multidisciplinary team, and healthcare team in the construction, adherence, and adequacy of the plan, whenever necessary.

As a strategy for linking users, the studies highlighted the importance of effective communication between the case manager and other professionals involved in the development process as well as the review of individualized care plans in primary care. These factors promoted patient engagement and partnership between primary care professionals and those of the services for which, generally, these users will be referred to follow this plan(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...
-55 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....
,77 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...

8 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
-99 Pope D, Fernandes CM, Bouthillette F, Etherington J. Frequent users of the emergency department: a program to improve care and reduce visits. Cmaj [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 Sep 12];162(7):1017-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763402
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1076...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
-1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
).

Some studies have highlighted the role of nurses and social workers in leading case management implementation in emergency services(2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
-4545 Walsh KT, Moran P, Greenwood C. A successful emergency department case management practice model. Case Manager [Internet]. 2003[cited 2018 Sep 5];14(6):54-7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14618150
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1461...
). The partnership with social work was emphasized as well as the importance of psychosocial interventions and planning of complex transitions from acute care to outpatient care.

The researchers also highlighted the nurses 'competence to carry out an expanded clinical assessment of patients' needs, their knowledge about the management of organizational resources, and interpersonal, leadership and communication skills to work with other team members. Nurses were recognized as a link between the different levels of health care and as responsible for promoting continuity of care, reducing fragmentation, and favoring more positive results(2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
-4545 Walsh KT, Moran P, Greenwood C. A successful emergency department case management practice model. Case Manager [Internet]. 2003[cited 2018 Sep 5];14(6):54-7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14618150
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1461...
).

Case management in emergency services requires skills to serve clients comprehensively and holistically concerning clinical, psychosocial, behavioral, and spiritual needs; encourage self-care, and increase the involvement of individuals and caregivers in decision-making(1010 Roberts RM, Dalton KL, Evans JV, Wilson CL. A service model of short-term case management for elderly people at risk of hospital admission. Aust Health Rev. 2007;31(2):173-83. doi: 10.1071/ah070173
https://doi.org/10.1071/ah070173...
,2828 Tahan HM, Treiger TM. CMSA core curriculum for case management. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins. 2017. 738 p.).

Another essential action provided by case management is the possibility of patient follow-up and monitoring. To that end, strategies such as telephone contact can be adopted to clarify the patients' doubts about the care plan. Case managers carry out home visits to assess responses to the care plan and, if necessary, promote adjustments(3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
,4141 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
).

The researchers also highlighted the comprehensive care actions related to health counseling and education with a focus on self-management and guidelines for dealing with psychosocial issues. Many highlighted the integrated performance of the multidisciplinary team and the central role of nursing and social work in this process(44 Grover CA, Close RJ, Villarreal K, Goldman LM. Emergency department frequent user: pilot study of intensive case management to reduce visits and computed tomography. West J Emerg Med[Internet]. 2010 [cited 2017 Sep 18];11(4):336-43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21079705
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2107...

5 Grover CA, Crawford E, Close RJ. The efficacy of case management on emergency department frequent users: an eight-year observational study. J Emerg Med. 2016;51(5):595-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016....

6 Kumar GS, Klein R. Effectiveness of case management strategies in reducing emergency department visits in frequent user patient populations: a systematic review. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(3):717-29. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.035
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....

7 Okin RL, Boccellari A, Azocar F, Shumway M, O'brien K, Gelb A, et al. The effects of clinical case management on hospital service use among ED frequent users. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18(5):603-8. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9292
https://doi.org/10.1053/ajem.2000.9292...

8 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
-99 Pope D, Fernandes CM, Bouthillette F, Etherington J. Frequent users of the emergency department: a program to improve care and reduce visits. Cmaj [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 Sep 12];162(7):1017-20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763402
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1076...
,1111 Shumway M, Boccellari A, O'brien K, Okin RL. Cost-effectiveness of clinical case management for ED frequent users: results of a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2008;26(2):155-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2007.04.0...
-1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,2020 Althaus F, Paroz S, Hugli O, Ghali WA, Daeppen J-B, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, et al. Effectiveness of interventions targeting frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;58(1):41-52. e42. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2011.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.20...
,2323 Hudon C, Chouinard M-C, Lambert M, Diadiou F, Bouliane D, Beaudin J. Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(10):e017762. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017762
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017...
,2929 Soril LJ, Leggett LE, Lorenzetti DL, Noseworthy TW, Clement FM. Reducing frequent visits to the emergency department: a systematic review of interventions. PloS One. 2015;10(4):e0123660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123660
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.012...
-3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
-3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,4040 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...
,4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
).

To briefly summarise, most of the case management strategies were multimodal and included strategies to promote health education(3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
); screening focusing on the patients' biopsychosocial needs(3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...
); development of an individualized care plan(1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3030 McCarty RL, Zarn J, Fenn R, Collins RD. Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs. Nurs Manage. 2015;46(9):24-31. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470771.17731.3d
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.00004707...
,3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
); social service support(3333 Edgren G, Anderson J, Dolk A, Torgerson J, Nyberg S, Skau T, et al. A case management intervention targeted to reduce healthcare consumption for frequent Emergency Department visitors: results from an adaptive randomized trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2016;23(5):344-50. doi: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000280
https://doi.org/10.1097/mej.000000000000...
); and coordination of care within the health service system(88 Phillips GA, Brophy DS, Weiland TJ, Chenhall AJ, Dent AW. The effect of multidisciplinary case management on selected outcomes for frequent attenders at an emergency department. Med J Aust. 2006;184(12):602-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00412.x
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006...
,1212 Skinner J, Carter L, Haxton C. Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009;26(2):103-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.063081
https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2008.063081...
,3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
,3939 Reinius P, Johansson M, Fjellner A, Werr J, Öhlén G, Edgren G. A telephone-based case-management intervention reduces healthcare utilization for frequent emergency department visitors. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20(5):327-34. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358bf5a
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328358...

40 Lee K-H, Davenport L. Can case management interventions reduce the number of emergency department visits by frequent users? Health Care Manag (Frederick) [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2018 Sep 20];25(2):155-9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699330
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669...

41 Rinke ML, Dietrich E, Kodeck T, Westcoat K. Operation care: a pilot case management intervention for frequent emergency medical system users. Am J Emerg Med. 2012;30(2):352-7 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.12.0...
-4242 Pillow MT, Doctor S, Brown S, Carter K, Mulliken R. An emergency department-initiated, web-based, multidisciplinary approach to decreasing emergency department visits by the top frequent visitors using patient care plans. J Emerg Med. 2013;44(4):853-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.08.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012....
) .

Such strategies are centrally focused on minimizing fragmentation of care within the health system and help patients navigate this system, as they favor access to appropriate resources available in the different care spaces and facilitate user engagement and development(2828 Tahan HM, Treiger TM. CMSA core curriculum for case management. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins. 2017. 738 p.). The central objective is to guarantee the best results using standard guidelines, working together with the interdisciplinary team, improving safety and customer satisfaction, favoring adherence to the care plan for costumers, including adherence to medication(2727 Finkelman A. Professional nursing concepts: competencies for quality leadership. 4th ed. Burlington (MA): Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2019. 1294 p.,3131 Walsh K, Z. Emergency Department Case Management: the compendium of best practices [Internet] 2nd ed. Danvers (MA): HCPro; 2014 [cited 2018 Aug 21]. Available from: https://hcmarketplace.com/aitdownloadablefiles/download/aitfile/aitfile_id/1616.pdf
https://hcmarketplace.com/aitdownloadabl...
-3232 Bodenmann P, Velonaki V-S, Griffin JL, Baggio S, Iglesias K, Moschetti K, et al. Case management may reduce emergency department frequent use in a universal health coverage system: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Nov 12];32(5):508-15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400922
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2740...
).

It is a process that aims to ensure the right care, in the right place and at the right time, avoiding fragmented care(2727 Finkelman A. Professional nursing concepts: competencies for quality leadership. 4th ed. Burlington (MA): Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2019. 1294 p.-2828 Tahan HM, Treiger TM. CMSA core curriculum for case management. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins. 2017. 738 p.), which facilitates promoting effective care and quality results for patients. For this strategy to be effective, collaboration, cooperation, and mutual effort between different health care providers are essential. Besides, the coordination aims to organize care so that it is accessible whenever necessary. Another crucial aspect is communication, as case managers must work with several people to ensure that patients receive care(2727 Finkelman A. Professional nursing concepts: competencies for quality leadership. 4th ed. Burlington (MA): Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2019. 1294 p.).

To sum up, employing case management strategies in transitional care in emergency services contributes to planning discharge and transferring responsibility from emergency services to other levels of health care. Home context prevents inappropriate admissions, reduces service usage and costs, and improves patient and team satisfaction. Besides, case managers become a link between patients and community resources. They advise patients on the importance of follow-up with primary care professionals; improve clinical management across the continuum of care; and promote the effective defense of patients so that they have ensured continuity of care(4444 Bristow DP, Herrick CA. Emergency department case management: the dyad team of nurse case manager and social worker improve discharge planning and patient and staff satisfaction while decreasing inappropriate admissions and costs: a literature review. Lippincotts Case Manag. [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 May 2];7(6):243-51. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204...
).

Study limitation

There are some related scoping review limitations, mainly because this type of literature review provides breadth rather than depth in analysis of the identified evidence(3535 Peters MDJ, Godfrey CM, Khalil H, McInerney P, Parker D, Soares CB. Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Int J Evid Based Healthc [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2018 Sep 21];13(3):141-6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26134548
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2613...
-3636 Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'Brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implement Sci [Internet]. 2010 [cited Dec 12];5(1):69. Available from: 10.1186/1748-5908-5-69
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-5-69...
). However, it was possible to map and synthesize the strategies used for case management in transitional care in emergency services, which will allow guiding clinical practice and future research in this field.

Contributions to nursing, health, and public policies

In general, the results reaffirmed the need for emergency services to have a professional case manager and specific multidisciplinary team to survey, select and coordinate frequent users in this sector, especially those with complex care needs.

Another aspect that deserves to be considered is the inclusion of the theme in the curricular matrix of training courses in health, for the knowledge of the role and the importance of professional case managers and case management strategies in the transition of care of these patients throughout the continuum of care. It is noteworthy the lack of studies on case management in developing countries, including Brazil, which demands special attention from the academic and scientific community for this theme. There was little emphasis on studies on family participation during the case management process.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

This scoping review presented a global perspective on the 23 studies that addressed the strategies used for case management in the transitional care of patients with complex needs in emergency services.

In conclusion, it was identified that screening with risk assessment; individualized and progressive care planning; and coordination of care through establishing effective communication among multidisciplinary teams in different care contexts were fundamental to the favorable outcomes of the strategies implemented. Furthermore, they favor identifying possible paths for emergency service qualification. Strategies were also highlighted to promote support for the transition process through health education actions and the establishment of communication between the different levels of health care and monitoring, follow-up and assessment of patients to verify the progress of their health care needs.

Employing case management responded to the complex needs of vulnerable costumer through a structured approach that promoted support for self-management and favored integration of patients with health services. In addition, developing an individualized care plan to meet the clinical and social needs of patients is capable of promoting adequate use of emergency resources and services.

In general, the results reaffirm the need for emergency services to have a professional case manager and specific multidisciplinary team to coordinate the care of frequent users; and to identify the motivations of frequent search and the barriers of access to other levels of health care.

Using case management strategies favors coordination and continuity of care in the health service network; and contributes to patients being properly informed about the services available to meet their needs and the appropriate time to use emergency services. Such aspects are necessary to build innovative and interactive ways to promote the ideal transitional care of patients with complex care needs, which transcend the limits of traditional care in emergency services.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    30 Sept 2020
  • Date of issue
    2020

History

  • Received
    23 Sept 2019
  • Accepted
    14 June 2020
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