[Hospital-territorial services and integration of health care: the Protected Discharge program in the Umbria Region from 2005 to 2010]. / Integrazione ospedale-territorio: le Dimissioni Protette nella Regione Umbria (anni 2005-2010).

ABSTRACT

In order to address the management of patients with chronic diseases, national and international regulatory guidelines have developed policies and operational tools aimed at integration and implementation of pathways of continuity of health care between different healthcare settings. "Protected Discharge" programs have been developed for the organized transfer of patients from one setting of care (hospital) to another (territory) in order to ensure their continuity of care and assistance. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of implementation the program in the context of continuity of healthcare in the Umbria region (Italy). An analysis of the regional archive of hospital discharge records was performed to examine trends of the various types of hospital discharges during the years 2005 to 2010. A slow but steady increase of protected discharges was observed from 2005 (0.9%) to 2010 (1.9%). The percentages observed are higher than those at the national level (except for transfer to RSA); however, results indicate insufficient implementation of hospital-territorial services integration and hence of the principle of continuity of health and social care.