Medication and Case Management in a Community Support Service Program

Jerry Floersch
Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
CWRU
10900 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland OH 44106-7164
216-368-5598
FAX: 216-368-8760
jef11@po.cwru.edu
 
Jeffrey Longhofer
Department of Anthropology
Case Western Reserve University,
 
Janis Jenkins
Department of Anthropology
Case Western Reserve University
This paper reports the findings of an ethnographic and exploratory studyof case managers and medication management at a suburban community mentalhealth center.  Using case records, interview and observational data,the study examines an under-researched and especially problematic areaof the medication management process: the monitoring phase.  And thoughthe broader process includes assessment and prescription, delivery andapplication, this study is concerned mainly with the roles of the casemanager and the work of case management in monitoring.  The data showhow the intensity of monitoring Meds (medications) produces new case managementdivisions of labor, powerrelations, and spaces; and how the limits andpotential of powerful drugsare realized in the intensity of monitoringand the knowledge produced inthe day-to-day practices and interactionsamong case managers, related professionals,and clients.