Laura Barnickol, JD, MSW¹, Jocelyn A. Hirschman, MPH², Janell F. Fuller, MD³, Minerva Esparza, LCSW⁴, Elaine Mister, RN, BSN³, and Julie Justicz, JD¹. (1) Health & Disability Advocates, 205 W. Monroe St., 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60606, 312-223-9600, lbarnickol@hdadvocates.org, (2) Sinai Health System, Sinai Urban Health Institute, California Ave at 15th St., K430, Chicago, IL 60608, (3) Pediatrics/Neonatalogy, University of Chicago Hospitals, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 6060, Chicago, IL 60637, (4) Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, California Ave at 15th St., Chicago, IL 60608

This presentation describes differences that emerged while implementing one case management model at two research sites. As part of a randomized controlled trial of a post-NICU intervention, low-income families of infants with special needs were randomly assigned to receive either Project Access case management and legal services or routine care. Families receiving Project Access services work with a case manager(CM) who addresses issues affecting overall family functioning. The CM also assists in identifying and accessing the benefits and services necessary to follow the infant’s medical care plan. Legal assistance is provided as needed to access required services.

To date, 105 families received Project Access case management, 46 at site A and 59 at site B. While the populations served were demographically similar and the range of services provided identical, service delivery and utilization differed substantially between sites. In six months, the CM averaged 11.4 hours working with each family, but their individual time at the two sites varied. At site A, the social worker CM spent 15 hours with each family, including 18 face-to-face visits. At site B, the nurse CM spent 6.3 hours with each family, including 9 face-to-face visits. Service utilization also differed. Supportive counseling was given to 100% of families at Site A and 80% at site B; and administrative advocacy provided to 92% of families at site A and 75% at site B. Institutional differences, CM education and background, all contributed to these results. Specifics of these differences and their impact on service delivery are discussed.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

• analyze factors impacting service delivery;
• understand the development of site appropriate case management models; and
• consider the implications of collaborative efforts between various service delivery methods and professional practice models.

Keywords: Case Management, High Risk Infants

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.