Strategic Intelligence Monitor on Personal Health Systems Phase 3 (SIMPHS3) - ARIA (Italy) Case Study Report

Abstract

The ARIA case emerged from an idea of some pulmonology specialists, who have been dedicated for some time to the care and follow up of patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure caused by neuromuscular, neurological and reb cage diseases. These specialists are members of the Italian Association of Muscular Dystrophy Patients (UILDM) and belong to the Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova (Santa Maria Nuova General Hospital) and to the San Sebastiano Hospital, within the Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia. The basic idea underpinning the ARIA case is that telecare can play an important and powerful role in the care of patients with chronic diseases. In particular, it can contribute to the delivery of services that benefit patients in terms of independent living and quality of life through improved collaboration amongst caregivers and health workers, while simultaneously helping to cut the cost of the regional healthcare system.