By Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMGT-BC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM, FAACM
When we think of research, many of us picture academics in lab coats or clinicians running randomized trials. We don’t always see ourselves—case managers—reflected in that image. But here’s the truth: case managers not only belong in research—we’re needed.
Drawing from my experience co-leading a national study on professional identity in case management alongside Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick and Dr. Lisa Parker-Williams—and having helped publish six award-winning collections of case manager stories through CMSA Chicago—I’ve seen firsthand the richness, diversity, and depth of our profession. Case managers carry powerful, transformative stories. But without research to capture, analyze, and elevate those experiences, they risk being overlooked, undervalued, or misinterpreted.
Why Should Case Managers Engage in Research?
1. To Validate Our Role
In our study, we heard from hundreds of case managers who feel deep pride in their work—but also frustration at being misunderstood, undervalued, or seen as “just” whatever the job title is. Research provides the data and the narrative to challenge that. It puts evidence behind what we know anecdotally: that case managers are essential to patient outcomes, quality metrics, and healthcare transformation.
2. To Drive Change
Case management is often on the frontlines of complex care coordination, social determinants of health, readmission prevention, and value-based care. Yet our voice is often absent from the policy and quality improvement conversations that shape those areas. When case managers engage in research—whether qualitative studies, QI initiatives, or literature reviews—we bring real-world insights to the table. That’s how we influence change.
3. To Grow Professionally
Engaging in research isn’t just about publishing. It’s about thinking critically, asking big questions, and expanding your perspective. It helps you grow as a leader, a mentor, and a practitioner. And it’s a powerful way to develop your professional identity—something our study found to be strongly linked to job satisfaction, resilience, and advocacy.
"But I’m Not a Researcher." Yes, You Are.
You don’t need a PhD to contribute to research. You just need curiosity, a question worth asking, and the willingness to follow where it leads. Many of the best research questions come from firsthand observations or barriers encountered in daily workflows:
- Why are certain patients repeatedly readmitted despite robust discharge plans?
- How do different case management models affect care transitions in behavioral health?
- What strategies are most effective in helping new case managers feel professionally confident?
If you’ve ever asked “why,” “what if,” or “how can we do this better?”—you’re already thinking like a researcher.
Lessons Learned From Our Own Study
When our team embarked on our study of professional identity among case managers, we didn’t start with all the answers. What we did have was a shared belief that this topic mattered—that the professional identity of case managers influences everything from collaboration and communication to job satisfaction and leadership development.
We designed a survey, adapting existing measurement tools, analyzed rich narrative data, and engaged with case managers across settings and disciplines. The response was overwhelming—and affirming. We saw firsthand how powerful it is when case managers are invited to reflect, to contribute, and to shape the narrative of our profession.
Ways You Can Get Involved in Research
- Start small: A QI project on your unit can be the first step. Track data. Analyze outcomes. Ask what changed and why.
- Join a study: Participate in surveys and focus groups —and share with colleagues.
- Partner with others: Find a researcher, student, or colleague in a different discipline/setting to widen perspective. Interprofessional research makes our findings stronger.
- Use your voice: Share case studies, publish practice reflections, or present a presentation or poster at your local CMSA chapter or annual conference.
- Mentor or be mentored: If you’re new to research, find a mentor. If you’re experienced, offer to guide someone else. We rise together.
Let’s Build the Evidence—Together
Our profession is evolving. The demands on case managers are increasing, and so is our visibility. But with visibility comes responsibility—to articulate who we are, what we do, and how we improve the lives of patients, families, and communities.
Research is one of the most powerful tools we have to do that.
So if you’ve been waiting for permission, consider this your invitation: step into research. Share your questions. Gather the data. Tell your story.
Case managers are innovators, collaborators, and advocates. It's time we added “researcher” to that list.
Let’s keep the conversation—and the research—going.
Case managers are being called to guide teams, influence change, & reshape the future of healthcare.
Join us for #CMSA’s 1st-ever Virtual Leadership Conference—an immersive experience built for #casemanagers ready to step into leadership.
Learn more: cmsa.org/virtual-leadership-conference-2025/
Bio: Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMCN, CMGT BC, ACM-RN, IQCI, FCM, FAACM is the Associate Chief Clinical Operations Officer, Care Continuum for University of Illinois Health System and the current Immediate Past President of the Case Management Society of America National Board of Directors and President Elect of CMSA Chicago. She has held positions in acute care as Director of Case Management at several acute care facilities and managed care entities in Illinois, overseeing Utilization Review, Case Management and Social Services for over 14 years; piloting quality improvement initiatives focused on readmission reduction, care coordination through better communication and population health management. Her current passion is in the area of improving health literacy. She is the recipient of the CMSA Foundation Practice Improvement Award (2020) and ANA Illinois Practice Improvement Award (2020) for her work in this area. Dr. Morley also received the AAMCN Managed Care Nurse Leader of the Year in 2010 and the CMSA Fellow of Case Management designation in 2022. Her 1st book, “A Practical Guide to Acute Care Case Management”, published by Blue Bayou Press was released in February, 2022. Her 2nd book, "Practical Guide to Hospital Readmission Reduction =, published by Blue Bayou Press was released in February 2024. Her 3rd book, "Practical Guide to Acute care Case Management Leadership" is in the works, targeting publication in 2025. Dr. Morley celebrates 25 years of nursing experience and 20 years in case management in 2024. Her clinical specialties include Med/Surg, Oncology and Pediatric Nursing. She received her ADN at South Suburban College in South Holland, IL; BSN at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL, MSN from Norwich University in Northfield, VT and her DNP at Chamberlain College of Nursing.