Care management is a systematic approach within health and social service research and practice focused on coordinating, planning, and monitoring services for individuals with complex needs. As an academic concept and methodological approach, it investigates the processes, outcomes, and effectiveness of interventions designed to integrate diverse services, enhance patient or client engagement, and optimize resource utilization across the care continuum. Key characteristics explored within this field include proactive engagement, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and person-centered planning, with research aiming to understand how these elements improve health and social outcomes, reduce care fragmentation, and enhance quality of life for target populations.