Predictors of length of time in service: Characteristics of people in intensive case management for longer than 5 years.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of people who stay in intensive case management (ICM) for longer than 5 years.

Method: We conducted a secondary analysis of client data collected by a community mental health organization from 2012 to 2022. Using the Gelberg-Andersen Model for Access to Health Services, we conducted a logistic regression with 22 predictor variables, predicting clients in ICM for 5 years or less (N = 531) and those in ICM for longer than 5 years (N = 289).

Results: People who were older and those with psychotic disorder, co-occurring substance use disorder, dual diagnosis (with developmental disability), chronic medical condition, and also in another program in the same agency were more likely to be in ICM for longer than 5 years. People who were returning ICM clients and those who completed the ICM program (rather than withdrawing or disengaging) were more likely to be in ICM for 5 years or less. Higher dose of ICM (in contacts) predicted a shorter time in ICM.

Conclusions and implications for practice: People with serious mental illness, dual diagnosis, concurrent substance use, and chronic medical conditions and those who are older may need additional supports within ICM and when transitioning out of ICM. People in ICM for a longer time have lower numbers of contacts, indicating that a less intense service may meet their needs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).