Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

This thesis tries to provide a complete picture of the implementation of the organizational model of Case Management within Italian Mental Health Services. Case Management is an original system aiming at optimizing the effectiveness and efficiency of health care, which has its roots in the principle of resources coordination, in order to provide adequate care to the person with mental health problems, through the activation of different structures and organizations of the health and social system. The Case Manager also provides individualized care that seeks to respond holistically to the psycho-physical and social needs of the patient. The paper presents a brief historical overview of major legislative changes in Italian mental health legislation, then focuses on the structural and functional organization of Mental Health Departments. It also describes the development of the psychiatric nurse role up to the Case Manager model, analysing its historical evolution and job description. Some experiences and projects which have implemented Case Managers within Italian Mental Health Services are described, with particular emphasis on Integrated Case Management and Recovery model. Focal point of the thesis is to show how the success of the application of the Case Management model results in an improvement of the quality of life for the patient, an opportunity for nurses’ professional growth, and in a more rational and efficient use of the National Health System  resources.