Advancing Equity Through the Case Management Lens: Comprehensive Analysis of the DEIB Client Perspective Survey: Convergent Parallel Mixed-Methods Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Client Perspective Questionnaire, a researcher-developed instrument, was used to examine how professional case managers understand, experience, and operationalize equity in daily practice across diverse health care settings. PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTINGS: Participants represented a range of practice environments, including acute care hospitals, managed care organizations, Veterans Affairs health systems, ambulatory and outpatient services, and community-based programs. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of 302 responses revealed a highly experienced workforce that demonstrated strong awareness of equity-related issues and confidence in identifying disparities, engaging in culturally responsive communication, and implementing equity-focused interventions. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated through joint display analysis to identify areas of convergence, expansion, and dissonance. Results provide a comprehensive understanding of case managers' preparedness, experiences, challenges, and support needs related to DEIB practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE: Strengthening organizational support, improving access to culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, and providing practice-focused DEIB education may enhance case managers' ability to address health inequities and deliver equitable, person-centered care across diverse health care settings.