The object of this work is to identify hospital and outside-hospital facilities involved in caring for patients with HIV-related diseases, and to examine their use and level of integration. We identified the hospitals by examining the records for AIDS cases in Liguria, and outside-hospital facilities by referring to current subsidies by the region of Liguria. The data for the activities carried out by hospital departments were collected together with Healthcare Administrations, whereas the activities by outside-hospital facilities were examined by visiting these facilities and filling out questionnaires on them, their use and the characteristics of the people using them. We examined hospitals from 1st of January to 31st of December 1995, and outside-hospital facilities from the start of their activity to 31st of December 1995. When we found it useful to compare hospital and outside-hospital care we considered the period from 1st of January 1995 to 31st of December 1995. To analyze patient data we also carried out a cross check with department data on the date of the AIDS case notification and the date of death. This study confirms the central role played by hospitals, especially Infectious Diseases Departments, which extends beyond hospital walls. The strong integration between hospital and outside-hospital facilities guarantees better patient care and less pressure on ordinary hospital stays. The study also emphasizes the need for local coordination and information flow management, which enables to synchronize actual needs and overall availability.
Healthcare for HIV/AIDS patients at different stages of the disease: Survey of health facilities in and around the Italian city of Genoa and their use in pre-HAART times.
GABUTTI, Giovanni;
2001
Abstract
The object of this work is to identify hospital and outside-hospital facilities involved in caring for patients with HIV-related diseases, and to examine their use and level of integration. We identified the hospitals by examining the records for AIDS cases in Liguria, and outside-hospital facilities by referring to current subsidies by the region of Liguria. The data for the activities carried out by hospital departments were collected together with Healthcare Administrations, whereas the activities by outside-hospital facilities were examined by visiting these facilities and filling out questionnaires on them, their use and the characteristics of the people using them. We examined hospitals from 1st of January to 31st of December 1995, and outside-hospital facilities from the start of their activity to 31st of December 1995. When we found it useful to compare hospital and outside-hospital care we considered the period from 1st of January 1995 to 31st of December 1995. To analyze patient data we also carried out a cross check with department data on the date of the AIDS case notification and the date of death. This study confirms the central role played by hospitals, especially Infectious Diseases Departments, which extends beyond hospital walls. The strong integration between hospital and outside-hospital facilities guarantees better patient care and less pressure on ordinary hospital stays. The study also emphasizes the need for local coordination and information flow management, which enables to synchronize actual needs and overall availability.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
