Implementation of a case coordinator role: a focused ethnographic study.

Abstract

This study was a focused ethnography of a 21-bed, inpatient psychiatric unit. Patient care was provided by a multidisciplinary team, and a case coordinator role was developed to coordinate the team's efforts. The purpose of the study was to describe perceptions of the implementation of the case coordinator role. Data collection methods included document review, participant and nonparticipant observation, and personal interviews of key informants. Field notes and transcriptions were analyzed throughout data collection. Three themes were identified: role development, role confusion, and role expectation. Role development was defined as the process of recognizing the need for and instituting the position of case coordinator. Role confusion was defined as the lack of a clear distinction between the role of the case coordinator and the role of the staff nurse. Role expectation was defined as the process of directing the development of the role based on individuals' perceptions of the role. Although the role as implemented had not met initial expectations, team members were confident the role would evolve to fulfill the unit's needs.