What Does “Managed Long Term Care Service” Mean in the United States? A Concept Analysis From a Case Manager’s Perspective

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the concept of Managed Long Term Care service from a care manager’s perspective. The Walker and Avant concept analysis approach was applied. The defining attributes include (1) chronic disease or disability, (2) coordination of care, and (3) services. Core components of Managed Long Term Care service were found to be a network of providers and capitation. A conceptual model of Managed Long Term Care service was developed with Managed Long Term Care service operationally defined as “a program with a set of services delivered to patients who have a chronic illness or disability and wish to stay safe and healthy at home in the community. The services or benefits are coordinated by a care manager who serves as a point of contact for the patient and provider(s), and are delivered by providers in the network.” Care management is a core concept of Managed Long Term Care. The triple aims of Managed Long Term Care are to deliver the right care at the right time at the right cost to Managed Long Term Care eligible patients. This paper sought to illuminate and clarify varied perspectives on the concept of Managed Long Term Care service. Without a clear understanding of a community-based service or program, delivery of nursing care may be less effective. This study was the first to examine this widely used but often imprecisely defined community health service from a case manager’s point of view.