By Tenische Perry, BSN, RN, CCM
Donations to Research Matters
CMSA Past President, Melanie Prince, MSN, BSN, NE-BC, wrote, “I support the CMSA Foundation (CMSAF) because it pragmatically supports the advancement of evidence-based case management through financial support of research and case management process improvement (CMPI) projects.”
Donations to the CMSAF play a crucial role in supporting case management advocacy efforts. Donations provide the resources to conduct research that leads to evidence-based practice (EBP) models. Implementing programs grounded in EBP models enhances quality outcomes and promotes more equitable, patient-centered care.
Donations and Advocacy
“Case management is about patient advocacy and patient engagement, but it is also about evidence-based care and proven outcomes. The CMSAF puts this message at the forefront.”
Laura Ostrowsky, RN, CCM, Past CMSA Foundation Director, CMSA Board Member, Monthly Recurring Donor
Patient advocacy is the process by which healthcare providers, organizations, and even patients themselves support and defend the rights, needs, and interests of individuals receiving care. Advocacy is a quality that improves individual health outcomes and contributes to a healthcare culture that values and supports every patient (Empowering Patients Through Advocacy and Professionalism).
Donations to promote research are closely related to advocacy in the healthcare industry in several ways. Research advances healthcare quality outcomes directly supporting the interests, needs, and rights of patients and consumers. Donation-funded research initiatives can shape healthcare policies and attract additional support for future studies. Donations support research that generates evidence-based practices, helping secure resources to advance healthcare. Organizations are recognized for implementing patient/client-focused research practice models, which can lead to better healthcare outcomes (Parker).
Donations and Case Management
In 2025, Insulet partnered with CMSAF as a CMPI Award Sponsor, supporting an organization’s project that demonstrates meaningful outcomes in improving care for patients with diabetes through insulin-dependent management.
This sponsorship amplifies case management's visibility, extending its reach to healthcare providers beyond the profession. This donation opens the door to advancing patient outcomes, expanding resources, and enhancing the future of diabetic care management.
[Research] puts evidence behind what we know anecdotally: that case managers are essential to patient outcomes, quality metrics, and healthcare transformation (Morley). Metrics matter when defining and advancing a professional practice. Research generates EBPs that expand the body of knowledge and strengthen professional competency.
Donations supporting research in case management drive improvements in our professional practice, fostering growth, innovation, and continued advancements in case management. When donating to the CMSAF, you are contributing to the advancement of research and patient/client advocacy.
Donations to case management research extend far beyond financial support—they serve as catalysts for advocacy, policy influence, and professional advancement. Past CMPI award recipient, Shelley O’Brien, shared, “I support the CMSA Foundation as a recurring donor because of the work being done to advance the profession and raise visibility to case management.” By funding evidence-based research, donors help generate data that inform best practices, strengthen professional standards, and elevate patient-centered outcomes. These contributions raise visibility and awareness, foster innovation, and strengthen case managers’ ability to advocate for resources, equity, and systemic improvements. The investment in case management research bridges the gap between practice and policy, ensuring that the needs of patients and the profession remain central to advancement in healthcare. The case management profession is often proven but not promoted, yet through donations that support research, its value can be elevated, recognized, and advanced.
The Case Management Society of America Foundation (CMSA Foundation) is a charitable, non-profit organization that advances the practice of case management through grants and awards focusing on case management research and practice improvement and public policy.
If you would like to contribute, click here to make a secure donation.
References:
https://ehealthcommunity.org/empowering-patients-through-advocacy-and-professionalism
Parker, L., Mintzes, B. (2023). Patient Advocacy Organizations and Conflicts of Interest in Research. In: Anderson, E.E. (eds) Ethical Issues in Community and Patient Stakeholder–Engaged Health Research. Philosophy and Medicine, vol 146. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-40379-8_12
Bio: Tenische Perry is a nurse case manager at Houston Methodist Hospital. She collaborates with executive leadership on hospital projects providing input on the role and impact case management contributes in hospital throughput and quality outcomes. She has served the past 5 years as the department Service Council chairman leading evidenced based and process improvement projects to improve quality service outcomes. She serves in the department mentor program to promote the education and professional development of case managers. Tenische holds professional designations and certifications as a Certified Case Manager and a Certified Life Coach specializing in health wellness and professional development.
She served on the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter Board of Directors from 2021-2025. She has served on the CMSA Foundation Board since June 2024. She is currently a member of the Houston Methodist Charter Alpha Gamma Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma). Tenische Perry is driven to advancing, proving and promoting the professional practice of case management.